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FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 



BY 

JAMES W. TAVENNER 



ILLUSTRATED WITH TWELVE FULL PAGE DRAWINGS 



Boston 

The Roxburgh Publishing Company 

Inc. 



vt-ri- 



Copyrighted 1921 
By James W. Tavenner 

All Rights Reserved 



JAN -3 1922 
g)CU854.134 



TO A. E. WINSHIP 

PERSONAL APPRECIATION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICE 



CONTENTS 



Page 

Dedication 
Out-Of-Door Song 

Frank Young i 

An Awakening • 4 

Its Results 8 

John , 12 

A Shopping Expedition 15 

Hart's Grove 21 

Some Plans 28 

Ruth Wilson . 33 

Sunday Morning . 39 

An Address 45 

Ferns 57 

Mirror Lake 61 

Blue Prints 73 

Planning 85 

The Meeting 97 

Reveries 126 

Last Days at Hart's Grove 134 

Lawndale 140 

Merton Henry 149 

Springfield's Welfare Home 155 

Church Home 174 

An Engagement 195 

The Wedding 206 

Conclusion 216 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Page 

Frontispiece 

School Building no 

First Floor Springfield Home 157 

Second Floor Springfield Home 161 

Third Floor Springfield Home 165 

Fourth Floor Springfield Home 167 

Basement Springfield Home 172 

First Floor Church Home 175 

Second Floor Church Home 181 

Third Floor Church Home 184 

Fourth Floor Church Home 188 

Basement Church Home 191 



AN OUT-OF-DOOR SONG 

Come with me, oh, you world-weary. 
To the haunts of thrush and veery, 
To the cedar's dim cathedral, 
And the palace of the pine, 
Let the soul within you capture 
Something of the wild-wood rapture, 
Something of the epic passion 
Of that harmony divine. 

Down the pathway let us follow 
Through the hemlocks to the hollow, 
To the woven, vine-wood thickets 
In the twilight vague and old, 
While the streamlet, winding after. 
Is a thread of silv'ry laughter, 
And the boughs above hint softly 
Of the melodies they hold. 

Through the forest, never caring 
What the way our feet are faring. 
We shall hear the wild birds revel 
In the labyrinth of time. 
And on mossy carpets tarry 
In His temples cool and airy. 

Hung with silence, and the splendid 
Amber tapestry of noon. 

Leave the hard heart of the City, 
With its poverty of pity. 

Leave the folly and the fashion 
Wearing out the faith of men; 
Breathe the breath of life blown over 
Upland meadows white with clover, 
And with childhood's clearer vision, 
See the face of God again. 

Samuel L. Simpson 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 



I. 

FRANK YOUNG 

Be patient with the boys — You are dealing with Soul-stuff. 
Destiny awaits just around the corner. 

"I wonder where mother can be at this hour? The noon work 
is all done, and everything looks as if a master hand had been here 
— one whose heart was in the work." 

"Let me see," said Frank Young. "Oh yes, I remember now. 
This is churning day, and she is in the milk room." 

"Here you are, little mother, hard at work with that old, out-of- 
date churn. I have been looking for you all over the house as I 
wanted to have a talk with you about Agnes and me going to the 
Saturday afternoon exercises at Hart's Grove." 

"Have you the time to spare, my boy? You know that your 
father expects you to look after the work while he has gone to town 
to close the deal for the Bailey forty." 

"I know that, mother dear. I have kept it all well in hand be- 
cause I know that father will not let me go unless the work of the 
week is all done by Saturday noon. Oh dear! I don't see why 
father should be so strict. I certainly work hard enough to have 
some time for recreation and pleasure with the young people as I 
go along without having to make up the time lost before I go." 

"Son, you must remember that your father was raised to do the 
same thing, and the habits of a life time are not easily overcome." 

"That may all be true, but Miss Wilson, the principal of Hart's 
Grove school says, 'That bad habits may be overcome, and good ones 
formed if one has the desire sufficiently strong, and the will power 
to back up the desire.' " 

"How I wish that father would allow me the privilege that Hugh 
Hart, and the other boys in Hart's Grove community enjoy. I 



2 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

think that I earn them without having to make up the time lost from 
the field." 

"It may seem hard to you, but I trust that you will be patient a 
little longer for I am praying that things may come to your way of 
thinking before long." 

"I wish that father would go with us. I know that he would 
enjoy the exercises besides the social features are very helpful and 
uplifting. It all makes me want to be a better boy. My, how I 
wish that we had Miss Wilson for our principal of schools." 

*T trust that you will not become dissatisfied with the conditions 
in your own home and community." 

"How can I help it, mother dear, when there is but little in our 
own home that appeals to me, and nothing, absolutely nothing along 
social lines in our church and school." 

"While I am not surprised at what you say, still I am grieved to 
think that you feel so deeply about it. I am very much in hopes 
that your father will grant Agnes and you the things that you desire, 
so I trust that you will not become discontented." 

"Just think how hard we all work, and how little there is in the 
house by which your labors may be lightened when if you had some 
modem helps you could save much time, and thus be able to enjoy 
some of the good things that the Giver of all Good intended that we 
should." 

"I am very sorry to hear you talk so. Haven't you a good home, 
and plenty to eat and wear?" 

"Yes, we have plenty of good things to eat, thanks to you, and 
plenty of clothing such as it is, but it might be much better especially 
when we attend church or go to entertainments. I have noticed 
that Agnes and I were not clothed as well as most young people 
although we are much better off financially than a good many. 
While the young people in Hart's Grove are too well-bred to notice 
our clothing so far as I could see, we noticed the difference, and 
so felt a little bitter towards father because of his views on dress. 
I am sure that we earn more than our present style of clothing and 
our food. I, also, feel strongly because he denied Agnes a new 
piano, and myself a new buggy, as well as all the things that go to 
make a home of culture and refinement. No books and no maga- 
zines worth mentioning — just work, work from early dawn till late 
in the evening with old, worn out implements. It's enough to drive 
one from the old farm with all its hallowed associations." 

"Father does not owe a dollar, and he has quite a sum in the 
bank, but it must be used in buying more land, and let our minds 
starve for the things that go to make life worth living." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 3 

"Mother, I can't stand this way of living much longer. I Hke 
farming, but if there is nothing more in sight than our present mode 
of life, I must leave the old home." 

''Don't talk that way, son. How would we stand it, if you were 
to leave. You know that Agnes would not get to go anywhere 
very often — that your father could not get along without you, and 
how would I feel, if you were to leave?" 

"There, there, mother mine, don't say anything more about it. I 
certainly would be very selfish to think only of myself." 

"I don't see how you stand it out here with but few of the things 
that go to make up a life of culture and refinement when you were 
accustomed to all of them in the city before you married father." 

"Father seems to think only of the dollars, and desires nothing 
more than to invest them in more land or stock. It seems as if he 
thinks more of the stock than he does of us." 

"No, no, son. Your father loves us all very much, and would 
feel hurt to know that you feel that way about it." 

"Well, mother, that may be true, but he never shows any love 
for me, at least; is seems that all he cares for me is the work that 
I do for him." 

"He does not give me an allowance nor does he give me a share 
in the crops or stock. If I were his hired hand, he would have to 
give me wages." 

"It looks like this community is run by the almighty dollar while 
Hart's Grove is run on the plan of cooperation — -giving to each 
individual in the family a share in the crops as well as in the increase 
of the stock. The community is also a unit in making it one of 
culture and refinement, and still for all they do for each other and 
the community, it is far more prosperous than Fernwood." 

"Son, I am very sorry that you have to go out of your own 
neighborhood for congenial companionship. I trust that you will 
get so full of the" spirit and zeal for the general uplift of our own 
community that you may be the means of creating a different state 
of affairs." 

"We have naturally more beautiful surroundings in Fernwood 
than has Hart's Grove." 

"Our people are just as kind-hearted, and are as willing to aid 
any one in sickness or trouble as any other place on earth. They 
need to be shown that there is something more in life than just 
seeking the almighty dollar." 

"Just be patient, and don't say a word that might antagonize your 
father or any one else in Fernwood. It will be a hard thing to do no 
doubt, but seek the Savior's help at all times. You will have moth- 



4 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

er's sympathy and prayers at all times. Agnes will, also, be of 
great help to you, so take her into your confidence." 

"Get into the hearts and lives of our young people. Invite some 
of the young people of Hart's Grove to meet some of our young 
people in the near future." 

"Would father consent to it? You know how slightingly he has 
spoken about the things done at Hart's Grove." 

'T will ask his consent for a social gathering here; also, that Agnes 
and you may go over to the exercises on Saturday afternoon." 

"How good of you. Thank you very much. I will do as you 
suggest, and do my best for old Fernwood. Now I can work with 
more zeal and energy as I believe that everything will come our 
way." 

"Goodby till supper time, you dearest of mothers. If all boys 
had such a mother, the world would be much better off." 

"Goodby, son. Between you and me, we will see what can be 
done for the boys and girls of our neighborhood." 



XL 

AN AWAKENING 

The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as 
in what direction we are going. — O. W. Holmes 

"Well, father, did you get the papers made out for the Bailey 
forty this afternoon?" 

"Yes, mother. Take this easy chair, and I will tell you all about 
it. I closed the deal — gave the lawyer, representing Mr. Bailey, a 
check for the amount, and received the deed. I still have over 
seven thousand dollars left in the bank as a nest egg for the Brown 
forty. I have the promise of it when the heirs all become of age 
which will be in a couple of years." 

"We will then have four hundred acres of as fine land as may be 
found anywhere. That will give Agnes and Frank two hundred 
acres each. Won't that be great to leave them so well fixed when 
you and I pass into the Great Beyond?" 

"Yes, father, that will be more than enough of this world's goods ; 
but are we as parents doing our duty by our children in not giving 
them those things that will help them enjoy this life to its fullest 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 5 

extent, and be ready for the final call, 'Well done thou good and 
faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will 
make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord?'" 

"Why, mother, what do you mean? Haven't I all but slaved 
for you and the children to give you food and clothing, and to buy 
more land for them?" 

*'Yes, you have done more than you ought to have done in buying 
more land at least. We, nor the children, can't take it with us when 
we leave this world." 

"I don't understand you tonight for you have never talked this 
way before. I have done for you and the children the best I could 
as I have seen it." 

"All true, father, but the trouble with us has been that we have 
done for our children as your father did for you, and that we have 
not given them the advantages that would lead them into a life of 
culture and refinement, nor given them the material things for which 
they have longed. We seem to forget that we are living in a differ- 
ent age — one of advancement along all lines of endeavor for the 
social and spiritual uplift of the race." 

"They haven't said but little to me about what they wanted, but 
I have noticed that when they wanted anything or wished to go 
anywhere, they would get you to ask me. I don't understand it." 

"Please doi not be offended, and I will tell you some of the things 
they are longing to have." 

"They have noticed the difference between the furnishings of 
some of the homes in Hart's Grove and of our own home. That 
is what comes of my consenting to let them go over to the 
Grove when all along I told you that I did not believe in their new- 
fangled notions. I am sure our home is comfortable." 

"A comfortable home is not all, father. Agnes has long since 
desired a new piano, and wished that the house might be modernized. 
She is getting to be a young lady, and so notices these things more 
and more as she goes out into society." 

"Frank wishes a new buggy and modern farm implements. He 
is now nearly twenty-one, and as he is very sensitive, he is becoming 
restless and despondent at the way things are going." 

"Has Agnes been to you again to ask to go over to the Grove?" 

"No, father, but Frank was in from the field this afternoon after 
a drink, and came to see me, while I was churning, wishing me to 
ask you if they might go over to the Grove Saturday afternoon. 
He, also, opened his heart to me as never before." 

"Well, he knows that he can't go unless the work is kept up for 



6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

the full week, and I feel like refusing them since they do not care 
enough for their old father to confide in him a little, at least." 

"Now, father, you are mistaken. They love you very dearly, and 
are very grateful for all you have done for them, but the trouble is 
that you are so reserved, and do not show your affection for them 
that they feel that you do not love them as well as they wish you 
might." 

"Frank feels very deeply about his home life. He thinks that he 
has earned a new buggy many times over, and besides he feels 
that he ought to be allowed to go to the Grove or the city once 
in a while without being required to make up the lost time by doing 
extra work before he can go." 

"That was the way I was required to do and besides, I did not 
have the chances that Frank has of going to entertainments or 
social gatherings." 

"You must remember that the world has moved on, and each 
decade has its duties and pleasures increased more and more, but 
you and I are as we were twenty years ago." 

"Come here, mother, and sit by me. Have you ever regretted 
my taking you from your city home where you had all the conven- 
iences and pleasures of city life?" 

"No, father, I have not for one moment thought of it. You were 
my choice of all my young gentlemen friends because I saw in you 
all the qualities of a noble manhood with none of the vices found 
in most city young men." 

"But you missed many things not found in the country — things 
you were accustomed to all your early life. You came out here 
with the barest necessities of life before you at first." 

"That is true, father, but the best of all I had the love of the 
noblest man on earth to me, and I loved you so dearly that all those 
things were as naught to me because of that deep, abiding love. 
I, also, loved the country life more than that of the city. Everything 
in nature is lovely, pure and true, and does not partake of the 
frivolities of city life." 

"Mother, dear, would you like to have me any dift'erent from 
what I am now?" 

"No, father, except I believe that you would be much happier 
if you would show your love for the children by giving them those 
things that they desire so much. Remember, *l't is more blessed to 
give than to receive.' We have more than enough of this world's 
g(xids. so let us make them happier by giving them the desires of 
their hearts." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 7 

"What about you. Don't you think that you should come in for 
your share of the good things?" 

*T shall be happy in seeing you and the children enjoying them." 

"Where are the children?" 

"They are spending the evening with Jeanette Phillips. She in- 
vited Miss Emma Spencer, our teacher, who is quite a musician, 
in to try her new piano, and, also, invited the children." 

"You know that Miss Spencer is from the city, and takes pleasure 
in visiting with our young people when here, but as she goes home 
every Friday evening, and remains till Monday morning, she does 
not have the influence over her pupils and our young people as I 
understand that Miss Ruth Wilson has over at Hart's Grove. While 
Miss Wilson is a wealthy young lady from the city, and accustomed 
to all its privileges, she is adored by young and old for she remains 
over Sunday, and gives her services to all the activities of the 
community." 

"It is no wonder that Frank and Agnes desire to go over to the 
Grove as often as possible since there is nothing of interest here 
except the Sunday services. While I believe that we are going to 
have more interesting services from our new pastor, the church 
building is anything but inviting." 

"Mother, don't you believe that one should not think of the build- 
ing and its furnishings, but of worshiping God in 'spirit and in 
truth?'" 

"God is the God of Nature and He made all the beautiful things 
therein for us to enjoy. I can't see the beautiful flowers, the groves, 
'God's first temples,' the hills and mountains without thinking of God 
the giver of all good." 

"I never thought of it in that way before. I know that you were 
used to worshiping in a beautiful church in the city, still you never 
have said anything about our church before." 

"That is true, but I cast my lot with you and your good people, 
and while I often thought how the old church might be remodeled 
or give way to a new one, still I did not say anything about it 
because I was not raised in Fernwood.'^ 

"Father, have you ever thought of comparing the old church 
with some of our modem barns, and how much better some of our 
stock is housed?" 

"Mother, I am surprised and pained to think of all these things 
that you have mentioned. What has caused you to speak of all 
this as you have done?" 

"The 'Heart Throbs' of a mother's love. We are going to lose 
Frank from the old farm unless something is done soon to make our 



8 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

home life more attractive, more inviting, and give him the social 
advantages that he craves." 

'Tlease don't say anything more about it at present. I want to 
think about all you have said, but before we retire, let us ask God's 
directing care over us, and His help to cause us to do the right 
thing by our children." 



III. 

ITS RESULTS 

/ believe in the farm boy and the farm girl. They should be 
considered as partners in the farm, and should have as much as the 
city boy and girl in regard to pocket money and recreation. 

"Frank, you need not go to the field this morning." 

*T did not get quite all the plowing done yesterday that I expected 
to do by some ten rows. I wish to go over to the exercises at 
Hart's Grove Saturday afternoon so must get those rows plowed 
in addition to the required allotment." 

"That's all right, my boy. They will keep till tomorrow. Mother 
and I had a long talk last night about some things that I never 
dreamed existed." 

'T wish to talk with you about some of them so come into the 
sitting room with mother and Agnes." 

"All right, father, but first let me tell John what to do since I 
will not be in the field this morning." 

"Well, children, your mother and I talked about you and some 
of your desires last night, and after thinking about you and how 
you both must have felt for the greater part of the night, I see things 
in a different light this morning." 

"I was so busy making money with which to buy more land and 
from which to make more money with which to buy more land, and 
then with habits formed when a young man — given direction and 
impetus from my father's habits that I did not realize where I was 
drifting. I have come to the conclusion that there are some things 
in this world of far more value than money or land. I had some 
heartaches when I was a boy because father always had some work 
for me to do or refused me some money when I wished to go to the 
fair, show or to some picnic — said he never got to go and saw no 
sense in it, and so seldom let me go." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 9 

"I am not going to make any more excuses for my shortcomings 
nor take any more of your time in explaining or excusing them." 

"From now on there are going to be four members in the firm of 
J. W. Young and company of Springdale farm. Each one of you 
is to share aUke in the profits from the farm, and have a direct 
voice in its management." 

"Frank, you and I will manage the outdoor work, but consult 
with your mother and Agnes. Your mother and Agnes are to be 
queens of the home, and we are to be their servants." 

"Hold on, father, there is to be no servant business in this firm. 
Each one is to give and take in making each other happy with no 
thought of any master. We are to look out for each other's plea- 
sure and happiness as well as looking after our business. By seek- 
ing to make each other happy, we make ourselves happy." 

"There, there, mother, you are right as you always have been 
Now for the remainder of the terms." 

"Frank, here is a check for one thousand dollars." 

"Thank you, father, but what am I to do with it?" 

"It is yours to do what you wish with it, my boy. Mother tells 
me that you still wish a new buggy. Go to town this morning and 
get it so Agnes and you can use it when you go to Hart's Grove 
Saturday afternoon. Get you a new suit of clothes, a watch, and 
anything else that may strike your fancy." 

"Father, you are very kind, but I am afraid that I may not be 
careful enough in my purchases not being accustomed to spending 
much money, so I wish you would go with me?" 

"Tut, tut, my boy, I can trust you to be careful, and make your 
purchases wisely." 

"Agnes, here is a check for one thousand dollars for you." 

"You are the dearest daddy in all the world. Thank you very 
much, and take this and this." 

"Ouch ! Httle girl. Save my neck for a few more of the same 
kind." 

"I never saw so much money in all my life. What am I to do 
with it?" 

"It is yours to spend as you like. I remember that you once 
expressed a desire to own a piano and I refused you, thinking it 
nonsense and a waste of money, never thinking how you must have 
felt. Mother has opened my eyes to the fact that there is something 
else in this world besides money and land. I want you to buy your 
piano this very day, and since young ladies do not like pretty dresses 
and ribbons, you might put the remainder into the bank." 



lo FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Now, daddy, I am afraid that you are trying to tease me for 
you know as well as I that all women like pretty things." 

"My! wouldn't mother look pretty in a new dress?" 

"Your mother looks better in calico than many women do in their 
silks and satins, but she shall have the same amount as you and 
Frank so here is your check, mother." 

"Thank you, father. I do not need it as I have plenty for all 
my wants with my butter and egg money." 

"That may be true, but take it and put it into the bank subject 
to your order." 

"All right, father, I will take it and use it in refurnishing the 
house. Don't you believe that we should keep some of our ready 
money in the bank for emergencies?" 

"We will have plenty left in the bank for emergencies, but if we 
did not, we are blessed with a prospect for a bountiful crop, thanks 
to an all wise Providence and to your good management, my boy, 
and if it were not the case, I think that my credit is good for a 
few dollars at least." 

"Now I propose that we have an early dinner, and that we all 
go to the city, and let each one buy what is desired." 

"Oh, daddy, I am so happy ! Here comes some more payments 
on the installment plan with interest." 

"My, what a treasure you are, little sunbeam. I hope that the 
principal will never come to an end." 

"Father, you and Frank get the team and carriage ready, also, 
tell John to see to the chickens while we are gone, and Agnes and 
I will get you a good dinner." 

"Father, I wish that we had a new carriage and some new harness. 
I guess that I will take some of my money and get them." 

"No, son, I will see what can be done while you are looking 
around for your buggy." 

"Father, I am afraid that John is becoming dissatisfied because 
of our old implements." 

"I am sorry to hear that, as I thought that he was perfectly satis- 
fied. John is a good worker, and understands general farming, 
and the care and feeding of stock as well as any man I know. 
He is always ready and willing to turn out at any time of the night 
in case of sickness among the stock." 

"That is very true, father. John is one of the best men that I 
ever saw for farm work, but we still cling to most of the old time 
ways of treating our help. I say this with all due respect, but we 
must change the treatment of our help." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER ii 

"Mr. Hart and others at the Grove give their help Saturday 
afternoons off, also, a day or two at the fair with all expenses paid 
as well as the Annual Harvest Home Festival, a day or so during 
Home-Coming Week and any special community exercise." 

"They not only furnish a house with a garden plot, but the use 
of a horse ; also, all the fruit that they can use." 

"They have modern implements so that the help does not become 
tired out by the time the day's work is done. They quit in plenty 
of time, so as to get the chores all done, and eat their suppers before 
dark, thus giving them some time for social enjoyment. Knowing 
all this, I am afraid that John will leave us." 

"Son, your mother opened my eyes to my shortcomings with 
Agnes and you ; now you have shown me that I am a back number, 
so I gladly turn over the management of the old farm to you." 

"No, father, that is not true. You are as. good a manager as any 
one, so let us work together not only for our own good, but for 
the redemption of Femwood which naturally has better farm lands 
than has Hart's Grove." 

"While I sympathize with you in your aspirations, I am afraid 
that I am too old and set in my ways." 

"No, no, father, don't talk that way. While you are not very old 
in years, you are young in heart, and your influence is very great 
in our community. Let us begin the good work right here and now 
by telling John that he may have Saturday afternoons off — that 
Mary and he may plan to attend the State fair one or two days 
with all expenses paid — that they may have all the fruit that they 
can use — let him keep a few pigs with the necessary feed furnished 
by us and let them have all the milk from one cow." 

"Frank, isn't that too much with the wages we give him?" 

"We must not think of the money side altogether, but remember 
that John and Mary are human beings, and have the same feelings 
and desires that we have. All we do for them along these lines 
will not only make us happier, but it will pay us more in dollars and 
cents than under the old way of keeping him at work from early 
morn till late at night with none of the privileges mentioned." 

"Why, father, I believe that we would get as much or more work 
from John by giving him the half day off. He will feel more like 
working, and no doubt would plan and think what will not only 
save time, but would take more pains with his work, and would not 
have to be directed in all that he does. He would feel that he has 
an interest in the old farm because we do not seek to get all that 
we can out of him for his wages." 

"If you have no objections, I will have my old buggy repaired 



12 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

and painted, and present it to him, also, get some new, single harness 
so that he can have some means of going to the city or elsewhere." 

"If we do all you say for him, he may be absent when we need 
him most." 

"No, I do not believe that he will leave without letting us know 
of it nor will he leave if something occurs needing him although it 
is his half day off. Not only that, but he will do more for us in 
the busy season than he would if he were working for wages only." 

"Maybe you are right. You have my consent to make the trial. 
Now while I feed the horses, also, the chickens, you may call him 
from the field and tell him your plans, and by that time dinner may 
be ready." 



IV. 

JOHN 

Everlasting life will be yours if you deserve it — your present 
belief or disbelief does not affect the issue. But make sure of this, 
if you are to be a great soul in Heaven, you have got to begin to be 
a great soul here. 

"John, turn out for the forenoon." 

"It isn't dinner time, Frank." 

"I know that, but I want to have a talk with you before we have 
an early dinner. Father, mother, Agnes and I are going to Roches- 
ter this afternoon. Agnes is going to buy a new piano, and I am 
going to get a new buggy." 

"Made a raise, Frank?" 

"Yes, John. Father gave each one of us a check for one thousand 
dollars this morning." 

"I thought that your father had his eye on the Brown forty, and 
that he thought it was all nonsense spending money for something 
that did not bring in some returns in money or its equivalent." 

"We had a talk this morning, and we concluded that there was 
something else in this world besides money and land, also, that we 
could get some of these things now that make life worth living. 
We can get the forty later on as the youngest child will not be of 
age for two years yet, so it will not be on the market till then." 

"I am glad for both of you, but I am afraid that you will be so 
stuck up that you will not notice Mary and me except to tell us 
what you want done." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 13 

"No, John, there will be no change in us in our treatrrient of Mary 
and you except to be kinder to you if such a thing can be possible." 

'T am very glad to hear that as Mary and I think so much of you 
for your kindness to us at all times." 

"After talking with father about some of my plans, he willingly 
and gladly consented that I might mention to you now those re- 
ferring to Mary and you although our yearly contract has more 
than six months to run yet." 

"Frank, don't you know that you can't change the contract without 
my consent?" 

"Sure, I know that, and I believe that you would be willing for 
a change if it were necessary, but there is no need of a change. 
We only wish to add a few things that I know you will appreciate." 

"We are going to allow you Saturday afternoons off to do with 
them as you like without deducting anything from your wages — 
give Mary and you one or two days at the State fair with all your 
expenses paid — permit you to attend any of the exercises at Hart's 
Grove as often as you like — " 

"But, Frank, how can we go since we have no conveyance, and 
while you have been very kind to loan me your buggy, I might 
want to go some time when you wish to use it, and then we can't 
always leave the work since we do not have modem timesaving 
implements — " 

"Just wait a minute, John, until I tell you all of my plans for you, 
and then I believe that you will agree with me. I will have my 
buggy repaired and painted thus making it look like a new one, and 
present it and a set of new, single harness to you with my compli- 
ments." 

"I always thought that you were a good boy with a heart full 
of love for your fellow man, now I know it. Of course, we will 
accept your present with grateful hearts, and I assure you that we 
will never give you any cause to regret your kindness." 

"And that is not all. You are to have free use of all the fruit 
you can use — all the feed necessary for your pigs and chickens — 
and the milk from one cow is yours to use as you may see fit." 

"I am sure that we do not earn all the good things you offer us." 

"It is not a question of earning with me, but to treat you just as 
I would wish to be treated were I in your place." 

"You certainly will not lose anything by this kindness for I will 
look after things as if they were my own when you are away, and I 
will always come home in plenty of time to look after the chores." 

"No, John, father or I will see to the chores when it is your day 
off, also, at other times when you wish to be away of an evening. 



14 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

You must remember that you are to be one of the firm in an advisory- 
way at least." 

"I will do my best, Frank, and we will try to make the old farm 
'blossom as the rose' to make up for all this extra expense. If 
we could have some modern implements and a silo, I believe that we 
could double the profits." 

*T am with you in your desires, and will do all that we can to 
get the old farm into that condition, but what causes you to think 



so 



?" 



"I observed that Mr. Hart, over at the Grove, uses scientific, or 
what I would call common sense methods, in all his farm work, and 
I have noticed the modern implements at Regan's Implement House 
at Rochester." 

"Frank, I have been wanting to tell you that Mr. Hart has asked 
me if I expected to leave you at the end of the vear." 

"What did he offer you?" 

"He made me no offer. Said that he would not make me an 
offer until I decided to leave." 

"I am inlad to hear that he did not make you an offer as I have 
always thought that Mr. Hart was the soul of honor, besides Hugh 
Hart and I are great friends, and then Mrs. Hart and Dorothy are 
such cultured, refined ladies that it is a great pleasure to spend 
an evening with the family, but if Mr. Hart had made you an off'er 
thus trying to get you away from us, I would not feel very com- 
fortable in his presence knowing that he had done so." 

"I trust that you do not think of leaving us?" 

*T confess that I have been thinking about it, but since you have 
made me such a generous off'er, I would be very ungrateful to leave 
you now." 

"How 1 wish that Fernwood had such a princii)al of schools as 
Hart's. Grove. I hear that Miss Ruth Wilson, although a wealthy, 
cultured, city young lady, is very much devoted to the entire com- 
munity. Have you met her?" 

"Yes, I met her at Mr. Hart's a few times, also, at the Saturday 
afternoon exercises. 1, also, wish that we could get her here as 
principal of our school for the coming year. I am sure that she 
would stir up our community to better things. Since father is one 
of the directors, I am going to ask him to see the other directors 
about employing her." 

"Good for you, Frank, you will certainly succeed in awakening 
this old, run down community as never before. Not that it is much 
worse than other communities, but it is not beginning to be what it 
ought to be. Just look at the old church building, — and the school- 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 15 

house is not any better. Nothing going on except on Sunday or 
when someone gets married. Our former pastor was a good man, 
but Uved too much in the past. I trust that brother Jones will be 
of great help to the community." 

''Miss Spencer does not do very much for the community outside 
of the school room since she goes to her home in Rochester on 
Friday evenings, and remains until Monday morning just as if 
our people were not good enough for her." 

'T am surprised, also, gratified at what you say, but where did 
you get all your ideas?" 

*T read the Rochester Observer, and I notice that it mentions 
something about country community building once in a while. 
Mary and I talk it over, and we have come to the conclusion that 
something must be done to keep the boys and girls upon the farms 
with the old folks as well as to induce good help to remain." 

''Good for you. Then I can count on your help and sympathy 
in trying to awaken Fernwoodout of her sleep of self-complacency." 

"Come to dinner, son. This little sunbeam says that mother has 
dinner ready." 

"John, turn out in time to look after the chores as we may not 
be back from Rochester till late. It may take quite a while for 
Agnes to pick out her music box." 

"Come, father, don't delay if I need so much time. We may 
need to look you up, so that we may get home before dark." 

"John, tell Mary that I am going to bring her something pretty 
from the city." 

"All right, Frank, she will appreciate anything you may bring her. 
Now go to your dinner, and since Mary will not have ours ready 
till the usual time, I will have the carriage awaiting you." 



V. 

A SHOPPING EXPEDITION 

Peace comes to him who brings it and joy to him who gives it; 
hut a perfect understanding comes to him only who loves perfectly. 

"Now, while we are eating, I will finish our partnership agree- 
ment." 

"The firm name is to be J. W. Young and company of Springdale 
farm." 



i6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"J. W. Young, President." 

"Mrs. J. W. Young, Treasurer." 

"Agnes Young, Secretary." 

"Frank Young, Manager." 

"Each member of the firm is to share alike in the net proceeds 
from said farm." 

"Each one is to act as a member of the ways and means committee, 
and do what he or she can in making the farm more profitable." 

"I, also, propose that we set aside one-tenth of the gross proceeds 
for the Lord's work." 

"I heartily agree to setting aside one-tenth to the Lord's work, 
but do you think that you are doing the right thing in proposing 
to give to each one of us one-fourth of the net proceeds?" 

"I certainly do, mother. Since I have seen the error of my ways, 
I am not going to do things in a half-hearted manner any longer." 

"Hurrah for daddy!" 

"Daughter, I am surprised and at the table." 

"Mother, I am so happy that I couldn't help it." 

"There, there, mother, let her say and do as she likes for she will 
not do anything not becoming to a young lady. She has become my 
sunbeam indeed, and I am enjoying her loving ways very much. 
I have been heart-hungry more than once for some outward ex- 
pression of her love. Of course, I now see it was my own retiring 
disposition." 

"You are just the sweetest, dearest daddy in all the world. I 
believe that there is another installment due you, so take this and 
this." 

"Is this my dessert?" 

"No, daddy, mother has your favorite cherry pie, and since you 
are ready, I will serve it with plenty of good, sweet cream." 

"Now that we are all through, we will get ready for our shopping 
expedition." 

"Daddy, what are you going to get for yourself?" 

"Nothing that I think of now, but expect to get some things for 
the farm as the dear old place has been neglected too long. I could 
not go back with a clear conscience, if I did not do something 
without it saying to me neglected, neglected, neglected." 

"Father, after we let mother and Agnes out at Regan's Depart- 
ment Store, we will put the team up at Pierce's feed yard. Then, 
I wish that you would go with me to help select a buggy." 

"I expect you to pick out your buggy while I hunt up a good 
contractor." 

"What are you going to do with a contractor?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 17 

"As you are going to get your new piano, and since this will no 
doubt call for new furnishings that your mother spoke about getting, 
I think that we should have new hardwood floors, the rooms papered 
and the house painted." 

"Mother, don't you think that daddy is the best father in all the 
world?" 

*T certainly do, and I am very glad that you think so." 

"Father, don't you think that we had better paint the walls since 
that is more sanitary?" 

"Just as you say, mother. I only expect to have the contractor 
come out to the farm and figure with me as to the cost, but will 
leave the final decision to you and Agnes." 

"Father, do you think that we can spare the money so that we 
may paint John's house, the barn, and all the other farm buildings ?" 

"Yes, my boy, we not only can, but we will spare it, and do as you 
suggest." 

"Now, let us all get busy so that we may get home in good time." 

"Mother, there is daddy over there in the stove department. Let 
us go over and see him." 

"What are you doing here, daddy?" 

"I just told Mr. Andrews to send out his furnace man, also, to 
have mother and you pick out the best coal and gas range that he 
has in stock." 

"Where is the gas to come from?" 

"I think that it will be out our way by the time the repairs are 
completed." 

"Why not use it for lighting the house as well?" 

"We will have the house piped for gas for use in case of emer- 
gencies, but I have a plan for getting electricity." 

"How do you expect to get it?" 

"I believe that I can get all the farmers along the road from the 
city, and on past the church to unite and have the Rochester Heat, 
Light and Power Co. run lines to all our homes, and furnish us 
with electricity not only for lighting purposes, but for power with 
which to run our sewing machines, washers and churns, and for all 
power needed at the barns, and other farm buildings." 

"Have you bought your piano?" 

"Yes, daddy, I have and it is a beauty. Mother, let us take daddy 
to the music department to see it. What do you think of it?" 

"I am no judge of a piano, but it looks well on the outside, at 
least, and I hope that you will soon be able to give me plenty of 
good music." 



i8 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Why, daddy dear, I thought that you beHeved that these music 
boxes, as you once called them, were expensive luxuries?" 

*T used to think so, daughter, but not since my awakening." 

''Are you really awake now, daddy? It seems from the many 
things that you are doing, and have us do that you must be dreaming." 

"Not a bit of it. I am so wide awake that I am realizing the 
many good things that I have been missing, also, the real happiness 
that would have been mine for so many years had I but known what 
I now know. Now, you and mother go on with your purchases while 
I go over to the implement house, and see what Frank is doing." 

"Well, my boy, how are you coming on with your purchases?" 
"I haven't bought anything so far except a set of single harness 
for John's use. Mr. Williams has shown me several styles of bug- 
gies, but he suggests that I buy an automobile, and I am all at sea 
what to do." 

"Well, son, if you prefer an automobile, get it." 
"I would like to have one very much indeed if I thought that we 
could spare the money, but the one that I prefer costs thirteen 
hundred and seventy-five dollars." 

"All right, son, here is a check for another thousand dollars. Get 
what you prefer, and I will be satisfied as I know that you will not 
be extravagant. Get you some new clothes. I wish you to appear 
well when you go over to Hart's Grove Saturday afternoon. You 
have earned it all and more by your work and capable management." 
"Father, how can I thank you enough for all this kindness?" 
"By simply getting what you want, and enjoying it to your heart's 
content thus giving me much pleasure and happiness. Now, while 
you are making your purchases, I will look over the different makes 
of implements, and after you are through, we will buy all the 
implements that you think that we will need. Have Mr. Williams 
send your automobile out early in the morning so that you may 
learn how to run it, and be ready to use it by Saturday afternoon." 

"Are you all through with your purchases? If so, let us go to the 
restaurant here in the store and get our suppers, and rest while 
listening to the music." 

"Father, aren't you getting extravagant? Just think, our suppers 
will cost two dollars at least. Can we afford it?" 

"Please don't say anything more about affording it. Did I ever 
seem stingy to you before we were married?" 

"No, father. I always thought that you were too liberal." 

"Well, you were certainly worth it all, and more, but just think 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 19 

how niggardly I have been since our marrige, and you never made 
a complaint nor seemed to notice it." 

''You felt that you must save so as to pay for the old homestead." 

''That was all true, but there was no call for us to be so saving, 
and thus cause so many heartaches for you and the children." 

"Come, daddy, that is all behind us never to appear again so tell 
us of your purchases." 

"Well, after we finish our suppers, we will start for home, and 
as we drive along, we will state what we bought." 

"Frank, telephone to the feed yard and have the team sent here 
while I settle the bill for our suppers, and then we will gather up 
the things that we can take home with us, and have the rest delivered 
in the morning." 

"All right, daddy, 'begin at the beginning' as the story books say." 

"I left you to see the contractor. He will be out the first of next 
week, and then we will all have a hand in deciding what shall be 
done with the old home in making it a beautiful, modern residence." 

"Then after I left you in the stove department, I went over to 
the implement house, and with Frank's assistance, we bought a new 
wagon, a tractor with plows, two riding cultivators, a disc harrow, a 
smoothing harrow, a roller pulverizer, a mowing machine, a hay 
rake, a hay loader, a harvester, a gasoline engine and several minor 
implements." 

"My, won't John be pleased?" 

"I think that he will, little sunbeam." 

"Now, mother, it is your turn." 

"My purchases were limited as I wish to wait till the floors are 
finished and the walls painted. I bought a complete set of aluminum 
ware for the kitchen, a modern churn, a washer, a wringer, an ice 
cream freezer, a sewing machine, and a couple of wash dresses and 
some aprons." 

"Why didn't you get two or three fine dresses and a new hat?" 

"Daddy, you didn't get yourself any new clothes. Frank and I 
would like to see you and mother with some fine, new clothes, 
wouldn't we brother?" 

"Yes, we would, and I believe that mother will get some if you do, 
father." 

"All right, children, mother and I will go to town soon, and get 
the desired supply if I do feel out of place in them." 

"Never mind, daddy. You will look as well as any man that I 
know, and Frank and I will expect you and mother to go to the 
Grove and to Rochester quite often with us." 



20 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Don't expect too much of me at first, children. Habits once 
formed are very hard to overcome, but with your help, I hope to 
have them well in hand before long. Now it is your turn, sunbeam." 

'T purchased my beautiful piano, thanks to your kindness, daddy 
dear, and if we were not driving along the road, I would give you 
a few more installments of my debt to you, the dearest and best 
father a girl ever had." 

"Go on, I will only charge interest on the present installment to 
be paid on getting home." 

*T bought some dresses, shoes, gloves, ribbons, handkerchiefs and 
a new hat." 

*T also have a twenty-five dollar check for John as my present 
to him." 

"Now, brother, it is your turn. I suppose that you and I will 
get to go to the Grove Saturday afternoon in your new buggy?" 

"No, sister, I did not buy a buggy." 

"O dear! Then we will have to go in the old one again?" 

"No, the old one becomes John's after it is repaired and painted. 
I bought a five passenger automobile, so father and mother can go 
with us as often as possible." 

"My! won't that be fine. Will we get to use it Saturday after- 
noon?" 

"Yes, it is to be delivered in the morning, and I will be given 
instructions as to its management which I will put into practice 
under supervision. You may go with me if you are not afraid of 
my ability as your chauffeur." 

"I will not be afraid. What else did you purchase?" 

"A new suit of clothes, a new hat, new shoes, handkerchiefs, 
collars, ties, a new watch, and left my measure for another suit of 
clothes, also, bought a new dress and sewing machine for Mary." 

"I want to say right here and now that I have the best father 
and mother in all the world. I, also, want to say that I am the 
happiest boy in all this beautiful land of ours, and no amount of 
pleading could get me away from the old farm." 

"God bless you, my boy, mother is very happy because the anxiety 
and heartaches have all disappeared like the morning dew before the 
sunshine." 

"I want to say amen to all your mother has said, son. I am 
happier this evening than I have been for many a day. I want you 
both to remember, my dear children, that I am always happy when 
you are contented and happy." 

"Don't mother count in this, also?" 

"She surely does. She knew that without my mentioning it at 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 21 

present. She knows that I think she is the one woman in all the 
world for me although I didn't take time to play the lover of late, 
but was always thinking and planning about the money that I could 
make for her and you children. I want to say that I was never 
happier in all my life than this evening except when your mother 
who was a city born and bred, young lady, kindly consented to leave 
the city for the country as my wife. I sometimes wonder why she 
did it." 

'Tt was no hardship for me when I despised the sham and hypoc- 
racy of the city, and could come to the country with one of God's 
noblemen who was without the vices found in so many of the city 
men. I often discussed this question with men who sought my 
company, and found but few who could measure up to my standard 
— that were willing to give up their society vices for a pure, noble. 
Christian life — who were willing to come to their wives as they 
expected their wives to come to them." 

"So, dear children, I trust that you will always bring to your 
future husband or wife the same pure womanhood and manhood 
that you would expect from them." 

"Amen to that, mother. As we have had a very busy day, and no 
doubt you are all very tired, let us ask God's blessing upon us as 
a family who have found themselves, and upon all of God's children 
everywhere, and then retire." 



VI. 

HART'S GROVE 

The smallest effort is not lost; 

Each wavelet on the ocean toss'd 

Aids in the ebb-tide of the flow. 

Each rain drop makes some flow'ret blow 

Each struggle lessens human woe. 

CHARLES MacKAY 

"Father, won't you and mother go with Agnes and me to the 
Grove this afternoon?" 

"I could, but I would prefer to remain at home this time and 
commune with myself. Things have been moving along very rap- 
idly the past few days, and I think it best to take stock, and see 
where I stand as I have had such a happy awakening." 



2.2 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Daddy dear, I hope that you are not dissatisfied, and are think- 
ing of going back to our old way of living?" 

"No, a thousand times no, little sunbeam. My life was anything 
but a happy one because I felt that you and Frank had only a 
passing interest in your old father, and that I was only thought of 
when you wished to go somewhere or wanted some money. I only 
wish to think about the things done the past few days, and see 
wherein I may profit by them, also, plan for the future so that we 
may make our old home the most blessed spot on earth." 

"No, father, the children have always loved you very dearly, and 
they have often said that they wished father would manifest his 
love to them by some outward expression." 

"I see it all now. Suppose you go with the children this after- 
noon. You would enjoy the ride in Frank's new car, also, the exer- 
cises." 

"No, father, not till you go. I will remain here with you as my 
place is by your side either in joy or in sorrow." 

"All right, mother. You have always been my good angel, and I 
have always been selfish enough to have you stay here and slave, 
yes, slave is a good word, as I have always thought that the old, 
out-of-date utensils were good enough for your work — that money 
spent for modern, labor-saving utensils was worse than wasted 
because we could get along with the old ones if they did take more 
time and harder labor. Now, I see how much I was in the wrong, 
and I assure you that it will never occur again." 

"Don't say anything more about it. Let us all forget our short- 
comings of the past except wherein they will aid us in making our 
future lives more complete in our love for each other." 

"Agnes, you had better get ready to go with Frank." 

"No, mother, I wish Agnes to help you with the dinner dishes 
before she gets ready. We need not leave here till one thirty at 
least because it will take us but a few minutes to go to the Grove 
in my new car. You are to take it much easier now since we have 
all the time-savers." 

"All right, brother. I will see to the dishes myself, also, be ready 
in time." 

Toot-toot-too-oot. 

"Fm coming brother. By, by, mother." 

"Well, well, little sister, you certainly do look fine in your new 
dress. It becomes you. I am afraid that I shall lose you this 
afternoon." 

"I don't see why and pray to whom, Mr. Prophet?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 23 

''Frank, how you talk. I suppose that you wouldn't grieve much 
if you did lose me?" 

"More than tongue can tell, sister. Let me tell you that sometime, 
somewhere, some one will become more to you than father, mother 
and brother, and this is as it should be, but be sure that you get 
some one worthy of you, and above all who loves you, and you love 
him next to your Savior." 

'T am in no hurry to leave my home and the loved ones therein, 
but if I ever do it will be as you suggest, so never fear." 

"Frank, is that you?" 

"Good afternoon^ Miss Young. I see that you have a swell 
chauffeur. May I assist you?" 

"How do you like that, brother? You are getting paid in your 
own coin." 

"Mr. Hart, he has been teasing me, and giving me advice ever 
since we left home." 

"What is the program for this afternoon?" 

"Here is a printed one. You will notice that it reads as follows :" 
Music - - - School Orchestra 

"Flag Drill" - - Primary Pupils 

Vocal Solo - - - Nellie Gordon 

"Talk on Bread Making" - Beulah Gibson 

"Illustrated Talk on Cow Testing" Harry White 
Duet - - - Miss Ruth Wilson 

Hugh Hart 
Ball Game - Rochester M. E. Church Team 

vs Hart's Grove Team 
Refreshments 
"Inspirational Talk" - Rev. Edwin Shipp 



In addition to the next regular program, there will be 
an illustrated lecture on "Country and City Beautiful" 
at 7 130 P. M. by Rev. Edwin Shipp. 

"Thank you, Mr. Hart. Where is your sister at present?" 

"She is helping Miss Wilson and Miss Shafer, our primary teach- 
er, get the little folks ready for the flag drill." 

"Here comes Frank, and if you will permit me, I will get you 
some good seats before the program begins." 

"Thank you, Mr. Hart, you are very kind." 



24 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Glad to be of some service to you and Frank, and if you have 
no objection, I will remain with you till time for the duet, after 
which I will return, and will be pleased to have your company at 
the ball game, also, for refreshments." 

"Thank you, Mr. Hart, for your kind invitation. I will be 
pleased to accept it." 

"Frank, won't you stay with us?" 

"Thank you, Hugh, I will seek other company after the exercises 
are over here. You know it is said that 'Two is company, three is 
none.' " 

"Very well, Frank, just as you like. I will keep a fatherly eye 
on you, so that you may not be found in bad company." 

"Not much danger of that in Hart's Grove." 

"Mr. Hart, don't you think that Miss Gordon has a sweet voice, 
one that touches the heart, and makes us much better because soul 
speaks to soul?" 

"She must have had a good teacher." 

"I certainly do. Miss Young. I don't see how it could be other- 
wise since she has Mrs. Shipp, our pastor's wife,, for her teacher." 

"You don't mean to say that she has had all her training from 
Mrs. Shipp?" 

"I do. Miss Young. Mrs. Shipp has given the young people of 
our community all their training in voice culture in their glee club, 
quartette and solo work while Miss Wilson has given much of her 
spare time to instrumental work." 

"Oh, how I wish that we had such teachers in our community." 

"Frank, I wish that you might have, but we can't spare them 
from Hart's Grove." 

"Hugh, it surely is a great treat to come over here and enjoy these 
exercises. They are very satisfying, inspiring and uplifting, and 
give me a greater longing for community betterment in Fernwood." 

"We are very glad to have you and Miss Agnes here, and I trust 
that Fernwood may soon see the dawn of better things. All you 
need is a leader, one whose vision covers the entire community." 

"Excuse me, Hugh, I see Miss Wilson leaving for the ball game. 
I wish to have a talk with her about some of my plans." 

"Certainly, Frank, Miss Young and I will follow you to the game." 

"Good afternoon, Miss Wilson." 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Young." 

"May I accompany you to the game?" 

"You may. Have you enjoyed the exercises as much as usual?" 

"They were fine, especially the talk on cow testing. You know 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 25 

that I have always been a stickler for testing every cow so as to 
weed out the loafers." 

"Yes, I know that you felt that it should be done, but since your 
father and others in your community have thought it a useless ex- 
pense, you were very much discouraged, and felt that you could 
not remain on the farm much longer under such conditions." 

"I have changed my mind since our last talk. If you don't care 
to see the game, let us take a ride, and I will tell you some more 
of my plans." 

*T have seen the teams play before, but if I had not, I would be 
pleased to go with you as I am very much interested in what you are 
trying to do for your community." 
"Well, well, and whose car is this?" 

"It is mine. It is the beginning of many better things to come 
for me, I hope." 

"It is a beauty and how quietly it glides along. I thought your 

father did not believe in them — that they were a useless expense." 

"He used to think so, but he has had a vision as he says and is 

now ready to aid me in all my undertakings to make Femwood what 

it should be. That is what I wished to speak to you about." 

"I am so glad for you and yours, and nothing will please me more 
than to aid you all I can." 

"Thank you very much, but I am afraid that I am asking of you 
more than you may be willing to grant." 

"I don't see how that can be as I am always ready to aid in any 
good cause, and so, I am sure that I feel like aiding a good friend 
like you." 

"I am glad to hear you say that, therefore, I will ask you to 
grant what has been very near my heart for many days. We wish 
you for our principal of schools at Fernwood. Will you come?" 

"Give me a little time to think about it, also, to consult with my 
friends here." 

"Tell me something more about your plans, and perhaps I may 
feel that I ought to come as I wish to be where I can do the most 
good. You know what a beautiful school building we have here, 
and what an old, box like affair you have at Fernwood. Don't you 
think that you are asking too much of me?" 

"I may seem selfish to 3^ou in asking you to come to us under such 
conditions, but I believe that with your help, we can make Fernwood 
what she should be." 

"I don't think that you are a particle selfish because you wish 
to do so much for Fernwood. I believe that you are the one to lead 



26 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

your community into better things, but let me hear in detail about 
some of your plans." 

"Very well, I will state some of the things that have been on my 
mind of late giving them a good deal of thought from what I have 
read, also, heard discussed at your exercises from time to time." 

"First : I would like to see a modern church building in place of 
the old one which has seen its best days, and presided over by a 
minister who has the knowledge and enthusiasm for community 
betterment in all its phases." 

'T think that you have just such a minister, Mr. Young, in Rev. 
Theodore Jones, your new pastor." 

'T am very glad to find that we have such a treasure." 

"Second: A new school building that would be a companion to 
the church in its department of educating the young people of the 
neighborhood in finding themselves, so that they may be ready for 
entrance upon active life as successful men and women, you to 
preside over its destinies." 

"Third: A commodious auditorium and gymnasium containing 
additional rooms for all community activities." 

"Is that all, Mr. Young?" 

"No, these are some of the things that I would like to see done 
now, and then take up other lines as fast as we can get to them." 

"Which do you think should be begun first?" 

"I believe that the school building is the one as from the school 
we can create sentiment for the new church, auditorium and gym- 
nasium through the exercises as planned by you." 

"I am afraid that you are setting too much store by me. Suppose 
you visit me at my home in the city, and perhaps you may get some 
new ideas for your buildings." 

"I shall be pleased to do so. Can you give me an answer by the 
middle of next week? I will consult father as you know that he 
is one of the directors." 

"I think that I can, Mr. Young." 

"I see that it is about time for refreshments so we will return. 
I do not wish to think only of myself." 

"I certainly have enjoyed myself, not only in riding in this beau- 
tiful car, but of hearing of your plans. You are to be commended 
very highly for the stand that you are taking." 

"Thank you. If it were not that I have monopolized your com- 
pany for the past hour, I would ask you to take refreshments with 
me." 

"Hart's Grove gets my company all the week, therefore, I shall 
be pleased to accept your kind invitation." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 27 

"Thank you. I would ask you to have your suggestions ready 
when you come over to meet the board of directors next week." 

"Are you not taking too much for granted? I may not give my 
consent for the change as I am very much attached to the young 
people here." 

"I am expecting you to come to us nevertheless for we need you 
far more than the people here. They can get some one to carry 
on the work that you have so ably planned for them." 

"I have enjoyed myself very much indeed, and I wish to thank 
you again for your company with its talk for better things." 

"I am sure that I am well pleased to have been of some help to 
you, and I trust that you will come as often as you can to our 
exercises." 

'T wish that we could stay to hear your pastor's talk as he always 
gives much that is helpful to us in our every day lives. He does 
not take us into the misty past nor talk above our heads, but gives 
us those things which are of present help." 

"I want to have a talk with father and mother along the lines 
that we have discussed, so if you will excuse me, I will bid you good 
evening." 

"Good evening. Come again." 

"Thank you. I will." 

"Agnes are you ready to go home?" 

"Aren't you going to stay for our pastor's talk?" 

"No, Hugh, I wish to have a talk with father and mother this 
evening about some of my plans, so think that we had better be 
going." 

"Frank, is it necessary for Miss Young to go now? If it is not, 
I will be pleased to take her home after the exercises are over, with 
your permission, Miss Young." 

"No, she does not need to go now." 

"Frank, I beHeve that I will stay." 

"Thank you, Mr. Hart, for your kind offer." 

"Good-by, Hugh." 

"Good-by, Frank." 



28 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

VII. 

SOME PLANS 

''No life can ever he insignificant so long as it is the least service 
to some one." 

**Son, where is Agnes?" 

'T left her with Hugh Hart till after the exercises are over, then 
he will bring her home." 

"Hugh is a fine young man, son, and we know of no one in whose 
care we would be willing to have Agnes more than we should Hugh, 
would we mother?" 

"No, father, 1 am willing to trust Agnes in his care as he is a 
cultured. Christian, young gentleman, but why did you leave before 
the exercises were over?" 

"I wish to have a talk with you and father, so let us take a ride 
while we talk." 

"All right, son, as the chores are all done, we will go with you, 
and see what a fine driver you are." 

"They call the driver of an automobile a chauffeur, father." 

"Well, you may call yourself what you will, so long as you are 
enjoying the car. It glides along so smoothly and quietly that I 
could go to sleep in it, could you not, mother?" 

"Not very well, so long as we have such beautiful views before 
us." 

"The sleek-looking cattle, knee-deep in clover, and the contented 
sheep lying in the green grass ready for their night's rest while the 
frolicking lambs are gamboling around and about their mothers, 
give me a feeling of contentment, and cause me to be very thankful 
that I am a resident of the country with all its varied interests." 

"That is as true as gospel. I enjoy those scenes as much as any 
one can. What was it, son, that you wish to talk about?" 

"I have been thinking over what we ought to do for our own 
community a great deal lately. We owe it to ourselves, and to our 
good people, young and old, that we bring about a different state 
of affairs. I had quite a talk with Miss Ruth Wilson, the principal 
of schools at Hart's Grove, this afternoon, and asked her if she 
would become our principal for next year providing our board of 
directors were willing." 

"What did she say?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 29 

"She said that she would think about it, and let me know by the 
middle of next week." 

"Hart's Grove schoolhouse was built for all practical work in 
sewing, millinery, cooking, manual training and agriculture, in 
addition to the usual subjects. The windows are arranged so that 
the light comes in over, and from behind the left shoulder while 
the walls are painted chrome yellow so that the maximum light may 
be reflected — they have a large plot of ground for school gardening 
and experimental work in agriculture in addition to the usual play 
grounds and the athletic field, while we have nothing, but an old, 
out-of-date building and a small playground." 

"Do you think that she would come to us with such a building 
whose equipment is forty years behind the times?" 

"My talk to mother and you relates to what can be done for a 
new building with plenty of ground and equipment for all practical 
work." 

"State your plans in detail, son, and I promise you here and now 
that I will do what I can to get all that you may ask for in getting 
a new building." 

"I will state what I think should be done for the children of our 
community, and perhaps Miss Wilson will add some things needed 
from her own experience or what she thinks would be helpful in 
our case." 

"I think that the building should be large enough to give all the 
rooms necessary for our work, and that we should have not less 
than ten acres of land." 

"Whew ! why so many acres and how and where will you get 
them?" 

"We ought to have plenty of room for landscape gardening in 
connection with the building, so that the classes in agricultural bot- 
any, forestry, floriculture and commercial geography may draw upon 
every known native shrub and flower for practical study in addition 
to beautifying the grounds — plenty of room for vegetable gardening 
— plots for experimental work in the rotation of crops — poultry 
yards — swine and dairy cow lots and last, but not least plenty of 
room for all physical training and athletic work." 

"Son, I am afraid that the district will not look with favor upon 
your plans as it will cost several thousand dollars to get ten acres 
of ground, and build and equip such a building as you describe." 

"I know it will, but what is twice the amount needed as compared 
to the best interests of our young people. Instead of sending them 
to Hart's Grove or to Rochester for advanced work, we can not 
only keep them at home, but we can draw upon the surrounding 



30 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

districts for advanced pupils, thus receiving many dollars per year 
for tuition besides saving the expense of sending our boys and girls 
away to school. By keeping them at home, they will be kept from 
the temi)tations of city life, also, they will not be likely to want to 
leave the old farms. What is the value of a few acres and several 
thousand dollars as compared to the hxss of just one of our boys or 
Rirls." 

"Father, if you will [)crmit me, T would like to ileed at least ten 
acres of what is to be mine for school purposes or enough to make 
ten acres including the old grounds." 

"Do you think that would be wise by not giving the district a 
chance to contribute its share towards buying that number of acres?" 

"T want to do that nuich at least for the ui)lift of our community. 
I only expect to pass through tliis world once, and so wish to do 
what I can for our boys and girls and f(^r good, old Fernwood." 

"What do you think of my plans, mother?" 

"T think that they are fine, and I will be very much pleased to 
have you enter into the work of making our community what it 
should be, and then no one will want to leave the cherished, old 
homesteads for the uncertainties of city life. Mother w\\\ do all 
that she can to aid nou by helping to create a sentiment so strong 
that our g(x;d people will w^ant to do much more than you ask, and 
if necessary, I am ready to contribute at least five hundred dollars 
to the cause." 

"(iood for you, mother. Son, as T told you, I will helj) you all 
that 1 can. 1 will add live hundred dollars to mother's donation, 
and if the community will not vote the necessary amount of money 
needed to insure the completion of your plans, we, as a firm, will 
build your schoolhouse just as you wish it." 

"Oh, father, how can T thank you enough for your kind offer?" 

"I don't need any thanks, son. T spent the greater part of the 
entire afternoon in thinking over my past life, and how selfish I 
had been in refusing Agnes and you the many, many things that 
you both craved, thus causing you needless heartaches, and all on 
account of my love for the almighty dollar. It is mother and you 
whom I ought to thank for opening my eyes to all that I have lost, 
and 1 wish to serve notice that 1 have enlisted for life in making 
old Fernwood the most beautiful spot on earth, besides making 
conditions such that no one will want to leave the community, also, 
aid in bringing every soul in the comnumity into a closer relationship 
with the vSavior." 

"l'\'ither, don't say anything more about the past. Let us, as a 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 31 

family, work together as a unit for Fernwood and to make our 
lives more like the Master would have them be." 

"All right, mother. Son, bring Miss Wilson over this evening, 
so that we may formulate our plans at once. I cannot wait another 
day to get into action." 

*T will go after her at once. There comes Hugh and Agnes." 

"Good evening, Hugh." 

"Good evening, Mrs. Young." 

"Well, Hugh, how are all the folks?" 

"They are all well, Mr. Young." 

"Has your father sold his cattle?" 

"Yes, sir, we shipped them last week, and received eight sixty- 
five for them." 

"They must have been extra fine to top the market?" 

"Father, aren't you forgetting yourself? Why don't you invite 
Hugh into the house?" 

"That's a fact, but it was only a slip of the head, and not of the 
heart, so come in Hugh." 

"Thank you, Mr. Young. I think I ought to be going back." 

"Why so, Hugh? It is Saturday evening, and no work to do. 
I don't see why you can't remain awhile at least. Frank has gone 
after Miss Wilson. Come in and we will have some music on 
Agnes' piano when Miss Wilson comes." 

"I didn't know that Miss Young had a new piano. When did 
you get it?" 

"It was brought out Thursday morning. We would be pleased 
to have you remain awhile, wouldn't we, mother?" 

"Yes, daughter, and if Hugh thinks his father and mother will 
not worry because of not knowing where he is, we will be glad to 
have him remain." 

"All right, I will, but first, let me telephone to mother where I 
am, and that I will be home in good time." 

"Very well, Hugh." 

"Agnes, get some ice cream ready while Hugh is telephoning." 

"Won't that be fine? Where did you get it?" 

"I made it this afternoon in mother's new freezer while she made 
some cake. I, also, brought home some ripe strawberries so get 
the cream, cake and berries ready." 

"I am doubly glad to do so, first, because I am so happy in having 
you happy, second, because I am very fond of berries and cream, 
as you know." 



32 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"O yes, I have always known that, and I am more pleased than 
tongue can tell to get them for you." 

"Well, Hugh, can you stay a little while at least?" 

"Yes, sir, I can." 

"Good. Agnes has some ice cream, cake and strawberries ready 
for us in the dining room, so let us get busy, my boy." 

"You are very kind. We young people would be much better 
boys and girls if more fathers and mothers were like you and Mrs. 
Young." 

"That may all be true, but it is only within the past few days 
since I had a vision that I must not forget that I was once a boy — 
that we parents must make our homes more beautiful and inviting 
— that we must take our children into partnership with us, also, 
that we need to remain on the farms ourselves so as to give advice 
and encouragement to our boys and girls." 

"Mr. Young, there would be very few of the boys and girls Vv^ho 
would think of leaving the farm if such things should prevail. I 
have heard more than one boy say, that his reasons for going to 
the city were, that his father compelled him to work from early 
morn till late in the evening without any time for recreation or social 
companionship, also, no allowance nor share in the proceeds of the 
farm was given him although he had earned it." 

"Father never treated me that way. I don't blame the boys at 
all for going to the city. I would go myself if such conditions 
prevailed on our farm." 

"I must be going. I have enjoyed my call very much indeed, 
and wish to thank you for this treat. These are the first straw- 
berries that I have had this season." 

"Glad that you have enjoyed them, but can't you remain till Miss 
Wilson comes?" 

"Thank you, Mr. Young, I would like to remain, but I must get 
home in time to take mother to town. Let Frank bring you over 
soon in his new car." 

"We will be glad to come over our first opportunity." 

"Thank you, Mrs. Young. Good evening to you." 

"Good evening, Hugh, come again." 

"Good evening, Mr. Young." 

"Good evening. Miss Young." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 33 

VIII. 
RUTH WILSON 

t 

"There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave. 
There are souls that are pure and true; 
Then give to the world the best you have, 
And the best will come to you. 
Give love, and love to your heart will flow, 
A strength in your utmost need; 
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show 
Their faith in your word and deed." 

''Good evening, Miss Wilson. Come right in. We are very glad 
to have you with us." 

"Good evening, Mrs. Young." 

"Good evening, Mr. Young." 

'T certainly am pleased to be with you, and enjoy your hospitality. 
I have had such a delightful trip — the evening being an ideal one 
for riding. The ripening wheat fields waving under the gentle breezes 
— the green, growing corn making its owner glad of his existence — 
the sleek, contented cows as manufacturers of the rich milk from 
which we get our golden butter — the frolicking lambs gamboling 
about their dames, and the grand,- old forest trees, 'God's first tem- 
ples,' hov/ beautiful it all seemed to me. I don't see how anyone 
would want to leave the country for most of the cities with their 
unkempt, dirty streets, and almiost barren yards?" 

"That is what I thought after living in the country awhile, but we 
will need to except Rochester at least." 

"Rochester is certainly an exception to most cities. I did not 
know that you were a Rochester lady. Do you remember when 
civic pride first began to be manifested in Rochester?" 

"Yes, it was shortly after I began teaching in Fernwood. That 
was twenty-four years ago. I think that it must have been about 
twenty-two years since a few grand men and women seeing that 
the saloons were corrupting the city officials, debauching many of 
the business men, and leading many of the young men to form habits 
that in a few short years sent them to drunkard's graves, banded 
themselves together to throttle the demon rum, and save the men 
and boys from utter ruin." 

"I would like to have you tell me of some of the plans used at 
Rochester in driving the saloons out of the city, sometime in the 
near future." 



34 FRRNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"I will l>c pleased to do so at any time convenient to you. Here 
(onies Mr. Vounj^- and iMank. Let us go to the dining room, and 
have some ice cream, cake and strawherries with real cream after 
which we will proceed with our plans to make Fernwood an ideal 
place in which to live." 

"Thank you, Mrs. Young. Strawberries are my favorite fruit. 
Someone has said, that 'The Lord might have made a better berry, 
but he never did,' and T certainly agree with him." 

"Did you grow these berries, Mr. \'oung?" 

"No, I bought them in Rochester." 

"Don't you believe that you could raise just as fine berries as 
these?" 

"We could if we were to take the proper care of them. We have 
l)lenty of apples, ])eaches, pears and grapes about every other year. 
We got into the habit of putting our efl'orts upon raising big crops 
of grain, and the growing of live stock, and gathered the fruit when 
we had any." 

"Mr. Young, 1 trust that you will pardon me when I ask you if 
>(^u would succeed in getting your big crops (^f grain if you took 
no more care of theni, after planting them, than vou do of your 
trees?" 

"No, I know that we would not. Now that we are through with 
the cream and berries, let us go to work, and perhaps we can devise 
some way to carry out Prank's plans." 

"Son, tell Miss Wilson your plans for a bigger and better Fern- 
wood." 

"T have jotted down some of the things that 1 think might be 
done for the uj)lift of old Fernwood." 

"h'irst: A new church building adapted for all lines of church 
activities." 

"Second: A new schoolhouse with not less than ten acres of 
ground, and so arranged that all vocational work can be given in 
addition to the usual subjects." 

"Third: An auditorium and gymnasium." 

"b'ourth: A co(")pcralive central, utility plant." 

"Fifth: A local fairgnnuid." 

"Sixth: A cociperative store and bank with post office and tele- 
]>h(Hie exchange." 

"Seventh: A good roads' association." 

"1 have briefly stated st»me of the things that might be done. 
Now 1 will state in detail my ideas about each one of the above, 
and I trust that each one of vou will feel free to criticise, also, to 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 35 

add to them ; especially do I wish that Miss Wilson will give us 
ideas from her rich experience and observation." 

'T spoke of the new church, first, because the Lord's work should 
be the first thing thought of in any community. It seems to me that 
the church building should be large enough for the entire community, 
plus special meetings, and modern in every respect. Opening off 
from the auditorium, there should be a Sunday school assembly 
room with individual class rooms so arranged around the assembly 
room that they may become as one room when needed." 

"Miss Wilson, have you any suggestions to make regarding the 
arrangement of the rooms?" 

"I have. Many churches have graded Sunday schools with pro- 
motions from the Cradle Roll to the Primary Department, from the 
Primary Department to the Junior Department, from the Junior 
Department to the Intermediate Department, from the Intermediate 
Department to the Senior Department, and to successfully carry on 
these different departments they have diff'erent departmental assem- 
bly rooms with enough class rooms for each department to care 
for the enrollment." 

"Once a year, they have commencement day exercises with a 
special program, after which the graduates from each department 
receive their diplomas." 

"Pardon me, Miss Wilson. What becomes of the Senior stu- 
dents?" 

"That is a good question, Mrs. Young. I haven't given it much 
thought because they are supposed to remain in the Sunday school." 

"Don't you believe that it would be a good thing to graduate them 
from the Senior Department into the church providing they are not 
already members of the church, they to still be members of the 
Sunday school and to be known as Senior Disciples ?" 

"Yes, I know it would, but suppose that some who have finished 
the required course are not Christians, what then?" 

"Since the Sunday school is the child of the church, it is the 
privilege and duty of all from classmates and teacher to the super- 
intendent and pastor to see that every pupil becomes a Christian, 
and I believe that this can be done for you know that Solomon 
said, 'Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is 
old, he will not depart from it.' " 

"You are right, Mrs. Young." 

"I think a fine, pipe organ would be just the thing for the church 
auditorium. Of course there would be pianos in the different de- 
partmental assembly rooms." 



36 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Miss Wilson, I am very much afraid our good people would 
balk on getting a pipe organ because of the cost." 

"Mr. Young, I think that I know of a young lady who would be 
pleased to donate a fine, pipe organ to this new church if the good 
people will do their part in providing it a home." 

"May I ask the name of the generous-hearted donor?" 

"Never mind who it is now. She has more money than she can 
ever use. Her name will be given at the proper time." 

"Furthermore there should be a small room in the rear of the 
gallery for a combination stereopticon and motion picture machine 
which may be ready for use at all the evening services with which 
to illustrate all phases of church work." 

"My! won't that be grand. What with illustrated songs led by 
the big, pipe organ, and the illustrated talks by our pastor, we young 
people, and I believe all the older people as well, will want to go to 
church every Sunday night." 

"How do you know it is to be a big, pipe organ?" 

"I can make a good guess, daddy, but you must not ask any more 
questions now." 

"Any further suggestions by any one?" 

"H not, I will say that the building of the new schoolhouse should 
come first. It should be large enough for all Fernwood providing 
the different districts will join with us, and I think that they will 
without a doubt." 

"The grounds should be laid out for landscape gardening, using 
all the native flowers, shrubs and trees possible, not only to beautify 
the grounds, but to be drawn upon in the study of botany, horticul- 
ture, floriculture, and forestry — for fruit, vegetables and flowers 
from which to illustrate the different methods of plant propagation, 
of handling plants, of budding, grafting, pruning and spraying, of 
picking, grading, packing and marketing, and to draw upon them for 
use in cookery and canning." 

"There should be plots set apart by which to illustrate crop rota- 
tions — yards for a dairy barn, a swine house, and poultry pens, also 
ample grounds should be set apart for all athletic games and sports." 

"Good. Where did you get all your ideas?" 

"I attended the short course at our State Agricultural College 
for two winters, also, have read much on the subject." 

"Have you any suggestions?" 

"I would suggest another building that I think is equally necessary 
in giving the young ladies right training in order to solve all their 
home problems. I think that you ought to have a teacher's cottage 
furnished with all the modern equipment to be had for a complete 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 37 

home so that each young lady in the community may reside with 
the teachers at some time during the year, and get the training 
necessary to the right use of each utensil or article — with the ex- 
perience in buying economically — ^the planning of menus for the 
different meals of the day and for special occasions for four, six 
or more persons and the cooking and serving of same — the proper 
care of their rooms and clothing — also, the social side of life by 
permitting the young gentlemen to call upon the young ladies at 
the cottage after the day's work is over, thus learning the usages 
of good society." 

"Four to six young ladies are to live with, the teachers from two 
to four weeks at a time then they give way to four or six more, 
and so on, thus getting the actual, practical experience of real home- 
keeping under ideal conditions." 

"I am beginning to see that we will need more than ten acres to 
take care of all that we are planning. Do you think that we can get 
more, Mr. Young?" 

"I believe that we can, and it begins to look to me that we must 
have at least forty acres, ten of which should be on each corner of 
the cross roads." 

"Miss Wilson, where will we find a principal competent for such 
a position?" 

"There are many young ladies who are competent, and would be 
glad to become your principal if they knew they would have such a 
home." 

"I don't know of any one better fitted for such a position than 
you, and if you will consent to take it, I will see what can be done 
to bring about all that you and Frank have suggested." 

"O, please do. Miss Wilson. Every boy and girl in Fernwood 
will be wild with joy if you but say yes." 

"I will. Miss Agnes, upon one condition." 

"And what is that? I hope "the condition is not too hard for 
fulfillment?" 

"I think it is quite easy, and if your father will permit me, I will 
present to the community the modern cottage fully equipped that I 
have just described." 

"I will not object, but isn't that too much, and you practically a 
stranger in the community?" 

"No, Mr. Young, I do not think so. I know of no better way of 
using my money for the Savior than by aiding young men and young 
women to become better men and women right here at home. It 
is all right to aid the Foreign Missionary cause, but I believe that 
it is far more necessary to aid the Home Missionary movement as 



38 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

charity should begin at home. I also believe that if every person 
was educated in giving to build up his home community, he would 
want to extend his help, thus the Foreign Missionary Society would 
be materially benefitted." 

"God bless you. Miss Wilson, for your encouraging words. I 
see a better day dawning for our beloved Fernwood." 

"Amen to that, mother. Now I will aid the cause by naming 
next Wednesday night as the time to begin the work of stirring up 
the community to take action at once. We will have the time 
announced tomorrow at church services, and brother Jones and I 
will spend the entire time, if necessary, from Monday morning till 
Wednesday evening urging every man and woman to be present, if 
Frank will kindly consent to take us around in his car?" 

"Father, you know that I will gladly do so, if I can be spared 
from the field." 

"John and you have the work well in hand, so you can be spared, 
but if you had not, we would get some one to take your place as 
this work is vastly too important to be neglected for a single day." 

"We will expect you to come over and give us an inspirational 
talk in connection with Frank's statement of what he wishes to 
see done for Fernwood. Frank will see that you get here, and 
will take you back the next morning in time for your work." 

"Very well, Mr. Young, I will come." 

"I think that we had better return, Mr. Frank." 

"Can't you stay all night with us? It is getting quite late, and 
I am sure that we will be pleased to have you with us." 

"I would deem it a great pleasure, Mrs. Young, but I told Mrs. 
Hart that I was coming here to spend the evening so she may be 
looking for me back tonight." 

"Please stay with us, and I will take you out to see the prettiest 
Holstein-Friesian cows that you ever saw, in the morning." 

"That is a great temptation. Miss Agnes. I can't resist, besides 
I will enjoy your hospitality very much indeed so let me telephone 
Mrs. Hart that I will not return tonight." 

"Please tell her that you will not return till tomorrow evening. 
Then you may go to Sunday school and church with us, and after 
dinner, we will go riding, so that you may see the natural beauty of 
Fernwood, after which I will take you home by way of Mirror Lake." 

"That is too much of a temptation, so I will be glad to do so as I 
have never seen Mirror Lake although I have heard much of its 
beauty." 

"Miss Wilson, we would be pleased to have you give us some 
music before we retire if you are not too tired." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 39 

"Never too weary to play for friends, Mr. Young, so each one of 
you state your favorite piece, and I v^ill gladly play it." 

"We would prefer to have you make your own selections tonight 
at least." 

''Miss Wilson, it is said that honest confession is good for the soul. 
I never dreamed that such soul inspiring music could be brought 
out of a piano. Little sunbeam has always wanted a piano, but 
I was a selfish, old tight-wad who thought more of the almighty 
dollar and the land it would buy than I did of her happiness. I had 
my eyes opened the other day, and I found out that there were 
many other things in this world of ours besides money, and that 
they were far more potent for producing happiness." 

'That is true of most of us, Mr. Young. I have had to curb 
my propensity for selfishness more than once, but after asking the 
Savior to guide me, I always found much greater happiness in 
making others happy." 

'T am glad to hear you say that. Sing for us 'Nearer My God 
to Thee,' after which we will ask God's blessing upon us, and all 
our efforts for a general uplift for old Fernwood and retire." 



IX. 

SUNDAY MORNING 

"Think every morning, when the sun peeps through 

The dim leaf-latticed windows of the grove, 
How jubilant the happy birds renew 

Their old, melodious madrigals of love! 
And when you think of this, remember, too, 

'Tis always morning somewhere, and above 
The awakening continents, from shore to shore. 

Somewhere the birds are singing evermore. 

Think of your woods and orchards without birds! 

Of empty nests that cling to boughs and beams 
As in an idiot's brain remembered words 

Hang empty 'mid the cobwebs of his dreams! 
Will the bleat of flocks or bellowing of herds 

Make up for the lost music, when your teams 
Drag home the stingy harvest, and no more 

The feathered gleaners follow to your door." 

"What is this I hear and where am I," thought Ruth Wilson as 
she awakened on a bright, beautiful Sunday morning the first of 
June. 



40 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Oh yes, I remember now. I am at Mr. Young's, and the birds 
have awakened me with their morning songs of praise to their 
creator. I also hear the mother cow answering the call of her little 
one — the neighing of the horses in anticipation of their morning 
meal, and the clucking of old biddy as she calls her brood to the 
worm that she has found." 

**How quiet and restful it is as compared to the rattle of the 
milk wagons on their early morning rounds, and the clanging bells 
of the street cars of the city." 

"Dear Mrs. Young! What a fine type of a farmer's wife. A 
cultured, refined woman, and the soul of genuine hospitality. No 
wonder she has such a son and daughter, for as is the mother so 
are the children as a rule. A true helpmeet — what would Mr. 
Young do without her? I can see that he defers to her judgment 
in all things. As he doesn't do anything by halves, he is going to 
be a power for good in the community." 

"Frank Young is one of Nature's noblemen. What a fine young 
man — how deferential he is to his parents and to his sister. He has 
no vices that I can see, and would, therefore, come to a wife as 
pure and true as he would expect a wife to be. How few young 
men there are of his type. The world would be much better off if 
there were more like him." 

"And Agnes. She is surely her father's sunbeam as he calls her. 
What a lovely personality just budding into womanhood — an un- 
spoiled child of Nature — the life of the household, and loved by 
everybody." 

"Miss Wilson, are you awake?" 

"Come in. Miss Agnes. Yes, I am very much awake, thanks to 
those saucy songsters out there in the trees, also, I am ready for 
the stroll that you promised me." 

"All right. We will have time before breakfast is ready to take 
a fev-/ minutes walk, and will go direct to the dairy bam to see 
the beautiful cows that I spoke of last night. Father, Frank and 
John are all as proud of them as mother and I. You must meet 
John." 

"Who is John, Miss Agnes?" 

"Why, don't you know? I supposed that everybody knew John 
Moore." 

"No, I never had the pleasure of meeting him." 

"Well, he is what some thoughtless people would call our hired 
man, but we consider him one of the family, and treat him as such." 

"Good for you. That is the way to treat human beings. I sup- 
pose that these same people would call me hired help because I 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 41 

am employed to teach school, and that is true of everyone who 
receives compensation for his work whether it is for mental or 
manual labor. These very same people who look down upon John 
and all others who labor with their hands, whether in the field, 
kitchen or shop, are no better because they may be working behind 
the counter or in the office. I have no patience with such people. 
Most of them live beyond their means trying to keep up with their 
more wealthy neighbors, and, as a rule, these wealthy neighbors 
made their start, at least, by manual labor." 

''Here comes John. John, wait a minute. I want you to meet 
Miss Wilson." 

"Miss Wilson, Mr. Moore." 

''Very glad to know you. Miss Wilson." 

"I am glad to know you, Mr. Moore." 

"Miss Wilson, I am hearing many good things about you and 
your work over at Hart's Grove, and since Frank has told me of 
his plans, and of his desire to get you for our principal of schools, 
I trust that you will consent to come." 

"I have already given my word to come providing every member 
of the board of directors wish me, and that Mr. Young's plans are 
carried out.^' 

"I think that will be done without a doubt as everyone in the 
community loves Frank Young. Everybody thinks that what he 
does is all right. Of course we have a few who think a great deal 
of the dollar, but in the main, they are kind-hearted, and when once 
shown their duty, and what is to the best interest of the community, 
they are ready to do their part. I think that the time is at hand 
for an awakening of the people. There has been much unrest and 
dissatisfaction among the young people for quite a while, and this 
has led some of the parents to seriously question the outcome. I 
think that Frank has the right idea, and I have agreed to help in 
every way that I can." 

"Sorry to interrupt you, John, but have you fed the cows?" 

"No, Miss Agnes, but am on my way to do so." 

"We will go with you as I want Miss Wilson to see them. Did 
you ever see such beauties. Miss Wilson?" 

"No, I have not. I did not know that you had so many." 

"Frank bought them at the annual dispersal sale of W. L. Prather 
of Rochester." 

"From what Mr. Moore says, that brother of yours must be quite 
a rarity among men. I wish that I had such a brother." 

"There is the breakfast bell. How I wish that you were my 
sister." 



42 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

*T should be pleased to have you for my sister, but since I am 
not, you might persuade your father to adopt me." 

"Miss Wilson, let me whisper something into your ear. Why not 
become Mrs. Frank Young?" 

"For the reason that I will never marry any man unless I love 
him more than all else in the world — love him next to my Savior. 
I admire your brother as much as I do any man, but admiration 
is not love. Before we go in, let me say that your brother has not 
by sign or word led me to believe that he thinks other of me than 
as a good friend. Another thing, never a word of this to a living 
soul." 

"Good morning, Mrs. Young. Miss Agnes has been showing me 
your herd of beautiful cows." 

"Good morning. Miss Wilson. I trust that you had a good night's 
rest." 

"Breakfast is ready, father." 

"All right, mother. Come, young people. 

"Let us eat breakfast, and then get ready for Sunday school and 
church." 

"Miss Wilson, do you know our new pastor. Rev. Theodore Jones? 
I trust that you will like him." 

"Yes, I knew brother Jones when he resided in our city. His 
wife is a very dear friend of mine." 

"He lives in Rochester at present, and is here on the Sabbath 
day, and for prayer meeting night. I wish it were so that he could 
live among us." 

"Haven't you a parsonage, Mr. Young?" 

"Yes, but it is sadly in need of repairs to make it habitable." 

"Mr. Young, I believe that my good friend and his charming wife 
would be delighted to live in this lovely spot if the house were put 
into good condition, also, I believe that they would be of much help 
to us. Brother Jones was brought up on the farm, and has taken 
a course in our State Agricultural College, and therefore, will be 
of much help to the entire community as a leader in all that is 
helpful in scientific or common sense farming." 

"Sister Jones is a very fine musician so she will be a good leader 
for our music department." 

"I am so glad to hear that. Maybe she would be willing to give 
me piano lessons." 

"I think that she would without a doubt. In fact, I know that 
she would be dehghted to do so." 

"Perhaps she would take pity on your humble servant, and give 
me vocal lessons." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 43 

'T think that she would, Mr. Young. I tell you what I will do, 
if she can't spare the time, I will do so myself if you wish me." 

'Tf I wish you. All I wish is that you will take me as your 
student v^^ithout seeing if Mrs. Jones has the time to spare." 

'T will do so with the understanding that you will interest the 
community in repairing the parsonage. We will need the services 
of brother and sister Jones in our campaign for community better- 
ment, and so must have them here as soon as possible." 

"Miss Wilson, I know that Frank would be very glad to do so, 
but I wish to serve notice that the ladies of our church and com- 
munity will see to that part of making Fernwood the most beautiful 
spot on earth to us." 

"But, mother dear, what is to become of my lessons?" 

"Never mind, Mr. Young, you shall have your lessons because 
your automobile will be very handy in taking your mother and 
myself around the neighborhood when we are needed or wish to 
aid the cause at any time, so I am sure that I will have the better 
bargain." 

"Now that you have settled these momentous questions, and since 
we are through with our breakfast, we will have our morning 
worship. Miss Wilson, will you please lead the singing?" 

"Frank, tell John 'to be sure to use the carriage this morning for 
Mary and himself since you have your automobile." 

"Mother, we need not start so early since it will not take so long 
now." 

"All right, father. We will be ready at the usual time. Perhaps 
Frank will take us by way of the south road so that Miss Wilson 
may see beautiful Blue River as it meanders through the fine old 
forest?" 

"Certainly I can. Be ready a half hour earlier if possible so 
that we may take more time in seeing the beauties in Nature. The 
scenery is second only to that of Mirror Lake, Miss Wilson." 

"I am a great admirer of Nature, Mr. Young, and so will be 
pleased to have you take us by this road." 

"I see that you are ready so let us be going. Drive slowly, Frank, 
since we have plenty of time." 

"The house on the right is that of brother George H. Colvert and 
the one on the left is that of brother J. W. Colvert. Notice the 
difference in the surroundings?" 

"Yes, I see that there is quite a contrast. Mr. George H. Colvert's 
house, barn and all the other farm buildings need painting — ^there 
are no flowers or shrubbery worth mentioning — his stock looks as if 



44 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

they needed more attention and weeds everywhere, while Mr. J. W. 
Colvert's house and farm buildings are well painted, the colors 
harmonizing with the surroundings — a fine lawn — flowers and shrub- 
bery with landscape garden effects — his stock have that contented 
look which comes with care, and I see no weeds even along the 
roadside." 

"You are very observing. Miss Wilson. Brother J. W. Colvert 
has been offered two hundred and fifty dollars per acre for his 
farm, and will not sell, while brother George H. Colvert would like 
to sell, but has been offered only one hundred and fifty dollars per 
acre, and will not sell at that price, and wonders why he can't get 
more." 

*Tf he is out Wednesday night, I would like to have a talk with 
him. I believe that we can get him interested in our plans so that 
he will not want to move away from here, and he will eventually 
get his farm and home looking as well as his brother's through 
our efforts. A home that is on 'dress parade' is always salable 
and at top prices. Have you many farms in Fernwood similar 
to Mr. J. W. Colvert's?" 

*T am sorry to say that we have not, and the reason is that most 
of the owners think that it is time and money wasted in keeping 
them up." 

''Miss Wilson, isn't that a beautiful view just ahead of us?" 

"It certainly is with the clear, limpid stream reflecting the shadows 
of the stately, old forest trees with the delicate tracery of their 
leaves. Just beyond at our right, we see the ripening, golden grain 
gleaming in the sunshine with the deep green of the growing corn 
in the background. Then there are the meek, well-fed cattle, the 
gentle sheep with their playful lambs and the sleek horses, some 
bay, some black and some dapple gray." 

"The birds are holding a concert with the harmony of sound all 
their own." 

"What a beauty that nook is with its varied-colored wild flowers 
set off by the different shades of green shrubbery in the background 
with a view of old Blue River through the opening of which flows 
this beautiful little rivulet." 

"Oh ! what a picture for an artist. I don't see why so many 
people are content to be shut up in the city with all its dirty streets, 
smoke-begrimed buildings and discordant sounds." 

"Mr. Frank, I wish that you would bring me here again when 
we may have more time to enjoy it all." 

"I shall be pleased to do so any time you may wish." 

"What a beautiful location for a church building. I don't see 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 45 

how anyone with an eye for the beautiful in Nature would wish 
to leave Fernwood when with but little work, this entire community, 
so far as I have seen it, can be made such a pleasant place in which 
to dwell." 

**You are right, Miss Wilson, I have thought as much myself 
ever since I came into the community as its teacher, and have still 
thought so every year since I decided to become one of its permanent 
members. I am so happy this beautiful, Sabbath morning in the 
thought that my many prayers seem about to be answered." 

*T came out from Rochester to become the first teacher in the 
present schoolhouse, and I am so glad that you are to be the first 
teacher in the new building. 

"Amen to that, mother, but our plans may not be carried out as 
we may wish them. You know the old saying." 

"Yes, father, I know, but I do not believe that there will be any 
slip in our plans for a new building. I have unbounded faith in 
the fulfillment of our plans." 

"Here we are at the old church in good time for Sunday school." 



X. 

AN ADDRESS 

SERVICE 

Yet, who, looking backward o'er his year. 
Feels not his eyelids wet with grateful tears, 

If he hath been 
Permitted, weak and sinful as he was, 
To cheer and aid in some ennobling cause 

His fellow men? 

If he hath hidden the outcast, or let in 
A ray of sunshine to a cell of sin — 

If he hath lent 
Strength to the weak and in an hour of need, 
Over the suffering, mindless of his creed 

Or home, hath bent, 

He hath not lived in vain, and while he gives 
The praise to Him, in whom he moves and lives. 
With thankful heart; 
He gazes backward, and with hope before, 
Knowing that from his works he nevermore 
Can henceforth part. 

WHITTIER 

"Brothers, sisters and young people : I find before me two notices 
that call for immediate action so I trust that we may have your 
undivided attention." 



46 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"The first notice reads as follows : 'AH the ladies of the church 
and community are expected to be present at the regular meeting 
of the Home Missionary Society, Tuesday afternoon at 2 :oo P. M., 
with Mrs. Wm. G. Johnson, to decide upon plans either to repair 
the present parsonage or build a new one. We must see to this at 
once, so that brother and sister Jones may get settled with us before 
bad weather sets in for the winter.' " 

Mrs. J. W. Young, President, 
Miss Anna Weaver, Secretary. 

"It should not be necessary for me to urge you to attend this 
important meeting, first, because you are expected to attend, second, 
because we feel that it is not only our duty to be with you, but that 
you wish us to become residents of Fernwood as soon as possible." 

"The second notice reads as follows : "All the parents, the young 
people, and in fact, every person in the community are cordially 
invited to meet at the church Wednesday evening next at 7 :oo P. M. 
The object of this meeting is the building of a new schoolhouse 
along modern lines, also, to talk over plans for making Fernwood 
a social center in community building so that our young people 
may not wish to leave our farms and firesides." 

Miss Ruth Wilson 
Frank Young. 

"I may say that Miss Wilson will give an introductory talk on 
community building, and that Mr. Frank Young will present some 
plans for our consideration." 

"Dear friends, since receiving these notices, and having had a 
brief talk with Miss Wilson whom every one reverences and loves, 
who know her, not only for her own charming personality, but for 
the great work that she is doing for the boys and girls everywhere 
she goes, I have decided to give you an address on the Church, the 
Home, the School, the State and the Farm. I feel disposed to do 
this, at this time, because of the intense interest already manifested 
by some in the community as to the great work before us, also, 
to awaken everyone to do all that they can for the welfare of the 
community as a whole." 

"I will read for our morning lesson the first thirteen verses of 
chapter twelve of Romans." 

1. *I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 
God, which is your reasonable service.' 

2. 'And be not conformed to this world : but be ye transformed 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 47 

by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good 
and acceptable and perfect will of God/ 

3. 'For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man 
that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought 
to think ; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every 
man the measure of faith.' 

4. Tor as we have many members in one body, and all members 
have not the same office:' 

5. 'So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one 
members one of another.' 

6. 'Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is 
given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the 
proportion of faith.' 

7. 'Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering : or he that teach- 
eth, on teaching;' 

8. 'Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation : he that giveth, let him 
do it with simplicity ; he that ruleth with diligence ; he that sheweth 
mercy, with cheerfulness.' 

9. 'Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil ; 
cleave to that which is good.' 

10. 'Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; 
in honor preferring one another;' 

11. ^Not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord ;' 

12. 'Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant 
in prayer ;' 

13. 'Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.' 
"Also, from the fourteenth of Romans, verses five to eight inclu- 
sive." 

5. 'One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth 
every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own 
mind." 

6. 'He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and 
he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. 
He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks ; and 
he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.' 

7. 'For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.' 

8. 'For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether 

we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, 
we are the Lord's.' 

"I will take for my theme, this beautiful Sunday morning, verse 
seven of chapter fourteen." 

'For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.' 



48 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Life is more than death. One who has Hved righteously need 
not fear the physical death." 

"We do not live to ourselves, for whether we will or no, some one 
is looking to us as his ideal. Are we so living these lives of ours 
that our children, and our neighbor's children may be led to say, 
'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints?' " 

"The question arises, what do our lives represent? Are we 
living as we should or are we living to ourselves, merely existing?" 

"What would you have to say if the old apostle who first put the 
question, 'What is your life', should visit you in the field some day 
as you were rushing your planting, and ask you this question. 
Would you dare tell him that you were too busy to answer him then 
or would you have to tell him that you did not know." 

"Are we satisfied to let the question rest or delay the answer 
to a more convenient time or are we going to 'Get right with God' 
at once, now?" 

"My friends, I believe that the man or woman who does work 
worth while is the man or woman who lives that work — with whom 
it is ever present in his or her soul, and whose desire is to do all he 
or she can for the uplift of the Master's cause in the community 
in which they live." 

"We should raise our standard of life so that the level of our 
influence shall be higher to the end that all persons in the com- 
munity may become better men and women." 

"From the beginning of time, man has been a social being." 

"The social conditions of Femwood are not what they ought to 
be nor are they what they may be by a little effort on the part of 
each one of us." 

"The church ought to welcome any effort that will bring us to- 
gether as social beings in working out both our individual and 
community ideals." 

"It is not enough that we raise larger crops, and get better prices 
for our products." 

"The social life of our community should be elevated, and to effect 
all this, we must work together, therefore, we need to organize to 
attain that end." 

"This church has a social responsibility to the entire community 
as well as in winning souls for the Master. We must be social to 
save every soul that is in Fernwood." 

"This church should be the guiding star for the high ideals of 
our community life as well as in the building up of a strong, personal, 
Christian character." 

"This church needs men and women who can, by 'team work', 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 49 

make this community what they wish it to be, yes, what it should 
and can be." 

"There should be a voluntary response by every man, woman 
and child in this entire community in attaining these ideals." 

"The church's success is the community's success. It is each 
individual's success.'^ 

"Let us make our homes, as well as our community, more socially 
attractive so that our young people will become happier and more 
contented with our farm life, and thus they will wish to remain 
with us." 

"To this end, I will enumerate some things that I think are very 
necessary." 

"First of all, we should have a modern church building especially 
adapted not only to church worship, but for Sunday school purposes 
as well. There should be a commodious auditorium with its gallery 
and pipe organ." 

"The Sunday school rooms should be so arranged that the 
Beginners' department, the Primary department, the Junior depart- 
ment, the Intermediate department and the Senior department 
should be able to do their best work with the least amount of labor, 
also, so that they may be thrown into one large room whenever 
desired. The Sunday school should have a well equipped library 
in its own room, and pianos wherever needed in the different 
departments." 

"The building should, also, have rooms for the pastor, choir, 
superintendent and other officers and teachers of the Sunday School 
— dressing rooms for both men and women where they may not 
only make their toilets, but where they may leave hats and wraps 
during church services — a nursery where the little ones may be taken 
care of while the mothers are worshiping." 

"A comfortable home for the residence of your pastor." 

"A schoolbuilding large enough for the entire community, and 
so arranged that not only the usual subjects may be taken care of, 
but also, all vocational work that may be needed to make each boy 
and girl a well rounded citizen fitted for his or her life's work." 

"A cottage where our teachers may reside, and have all the com- 
forts that each individual taste may require without feeling that 
they may be in the way at times." 

"An auditorium and gymnasium where all the community's 
indoor, social activities may be held." 

"A hospital with apartments for the resident physician's home." 

"The resident dentist's home." 

"The resident veterinarian's home." 



50 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"The janitor's home." 

"A community fair ground with all the usual buildings. Have 
no gate fees and no money premiums, but have ribbon premiums 
by which to show the relative merits of articles, grains, fruit, ma- 
chinery and stock exhibited." 

'*A community hotel where the workmen for our cooperative plant 
may have a home, also, where visitors attending our fair or any 
other function may be entertained." 

"A few cottages for our cooperative workmen who have families." 

'T would suggest the following cooperative buildings not only for 
the saving of labor in our homes, but in the taking care of our 
surplus products. A cooperative store and bank with rooms for a 
post office and telephone exchange — power house, heating and light 
plant, also, water works — abattoir and packing-house — ice manu- 
facturing plant and cold storage — canning factory — grist mill — 
laundry — creamery and bakery — storage and packing ware house — 
a blacksmith and woodworking shop, and a harness and shoe shop." 

"The following departments of work may be taken up with 
additional ones as we advance in our lines of labor for the uplift 
of our community." 

"The church, the Sunday school, the home, the school, the farm, 
the State, health, social, recreation, good roads, community parking 
and lawns, employment, loans, etc." 

"Fernwood church will prosper only as its individual members 
prosper." 

"This church should be responsible for each soul in the commun- 
ity, also, should be held responsible for the high ideals of community 
life as well as of personal. Christian character, therefore, we should 
take a religious survey of the entire community so that we may know 
just where we stand in relation to its highest ideals." 

"We as a church should take a much larger part in the activities 
of the community since the church should be the center of all 
community betterment." 

"The best Christian is the one who can stand the test of a godly, 
public life so that a non-Christian may look up to him as an example 
of a man who walks with God in his daily life." 

"Some one has said, Tf every member were just like me, what 
kind of a church would our church be?' " 

"Friends, I trust that each person in Fernwood will do his or 
her duty as a true Christian, so that this church will be a power 
for good to every soul in the community." 

"The Sunday school is the training school of the church. If the 
children and young people are taught in the right way and in the 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 51 

right spirit there will be but few, if any, who do not give themselves 
to the Savior and become identified with the church." 

"The children are the hope of the church, the community and the 
State, therefore, let us make our Sunday school a place where the 
children, the young people and the parents delight to come together 
to study about God and His love for us, and about this beautiful 
world in which we live that He has created for our comfort, enjoy- 
ment and happiness." 

" Tt is His love for us that makes the world go round.' " 

"Since we are to pass through this world but once, let us do our 
duty and be happy." 

" 'No farm can be what it should be which does not include a 
complete home, and no home is complete unless the woman makes 
it so.' She cannot make it what it should be without the hearty 
cooperation of every one of the family." 

"Not only should we have that spirit of love which the parents 
should have for each other and for their children, and the children 
for their parents and for each other, but each home should have 
the living presence of the Master at all times. Without this living, 
loving presence of the Savior, the home is too often only a place 
in which to dwell or merely a place to exist and not a complete 
home." 

"Along temporal lines, we should have convenient, sanitary homes 
with running hot and cold water, attractive interiors, well selected 
libraries and periodicals for the different interests of the family, 
musical instruments, electric lights, telephones and all the mechanical 
helps necessary to aid us in saving time in our work so that we may 
have more leisure for recreation, and plenty of time for all our 
social activities." 

"We should have better constructed barns and farm buildings 
so arranged that much time may be saved in taking care of our 
stock." 

"A good small fruit and vegetable garden is a valuable asset to any 
home, and should be the rule rather than the exception." 

"A well-kept lawn with landscape garden effects is 'ever charming, 
ever new.' " 

"By keeping our farms and buildings on 'dress parade' makes 
them more attractive, and by doing so the boys and girls as well as 
ourselves will be more contented, satisfied and happier." 

"The standard of our school system is very low. Instead of 
educating the young people in terms of their daily lives, we spend 
one-half to two-thirds of our time presenting things that are for- 



52 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

gotten before many months have rolled away because they are 
seldom if ever used." 

"We should teach our boys and girls real things — things which 
they must come in contact with in their daily life's work." 

"Some one has said that, The schools have wasted more boy 
property than all the predatory corporations have wasted in the way 
of timber and water power.' " 

" Tt is indispensable that farmers shall work together for their 
common interests and for their national welfare. 

Farmers do not influence legislation as they should. 

In the end, the farmer controls the politics because he makes 
the crops on which the wealth of the country depends. There is 
probably a greater proportion of taxpayers among voting farmers 
than among city people.' " 

"This being true we should take part in all local, State and 
National elections for a cleaner citizenship without regard to party 
lines. Vote for principles and not for party or men." 

" 'The essential conditions of life and health are food, air, sun- 
shine and exercise. Exercise is life and the absence of it is the 
sure sign of death. 

Labor and toil are compulsory and involuntary. Play is spon- 
taneous, and every movement is from personal desire, and the 
working out of some ideal. 

Team work teaches self-control, courage, honor and cooperation. 
Playing the game is training the conscience for citizenship and social 
service.' " 

"Jane Addams says, 'To fail to provide for the recreation of 
youth, is not only to deprive all of them of this natural form of 
expression, but is certain to subject some of them to the over- 
whelming temptations of ilHcit and soul-destroying pleasures.' " 

"Why go to the city for entertainment and amusement when we 
can have all the recreation that we may wish or need right here at 
home with vastly less danger of moral corruption, and with a much 
richer field to draw from than anything the city can furnish." 

"We should be self-supporting in this respect and put forth all 
our efforts to provide clean, wholesome and instructive games, plays 
and all social features since recreation is as necessary as any other 
line of endeavor." 

"All of us, young and old, require diversions and amusements. 
You have heard the statement, 'All work and no play makes Jack 
a dull boy.' " 

"Fathers, mothers, friends, you know, from past experience, that 
this statement is true to the letter." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 53 

"I firmly believe that you will get more and better work from 
your boys, yes, and from your help as well, in five and one-half 
days with a half day set apart for recreation than you would in six 
days of continuous labor. I believe it would be better for the entire 
community to plan to spend Saturday afternoons in some sort of 
amusement so as to 'allow time for those repairs of the bodily tissues 
that only recreation can make.' All this will pay big dividends, 
not only in a contented community, but in keeping our young people 
at home thus avoiding questionable amusements." 

"We will all feel more like attending Sunday school and church 
services, after we have had a half day's rest and relaxation from 
our strenuous labors of the week." 

*'If we wish to keep our boys and girls satisfied with country 
life as well as to provide the social life that will cause us to want 
to remain on the old farms ourselves, we should have community 
play days. Old Home week. Harvest Moon carnivals, dramatics, 
pageants representing the history and traditions of the community, 
Indian Corn festivals. Musical cantatas, singing schools, a com- 
munity band and orchestra, inter-school games of tennis, basket-ball, 
baseball, relay races, etc., our annual fairs, old folk games, boys 
and girls summer camps, house parties for both old and young, 
lecture courses, chautauquas and picnics for harvesting wheat or 
oats using reaping tools from sickles to self-binders inclusive to 
illustrate the different improvements made for harvesting." 

"We should celebrate Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, 
Labor, Rally, Fathers', Mothers' and Children's days, also, all State 
and National holidays." 

"Hold Easter, Harvest Home and Home-Coming week services." 

"It should not be necessary for me to say that we would not be 
expected to hold separate and distinct days for each exercise men- 
tioned. They may be appropriately grouped for special occasions." 

"The above and other lines of recreation may be placed under the 
following committees, clubs, societies and associations thus making 
the work light, also, giving every person in the community something 
to do for the good of all. The religious work committee, the social 
committee, the educational committee, the recreation committee, the 
patron's club, music club, historical society, literary society, Big 
Brothers' society, athletic and playground associations." 

"A good roads' association should be formed and every man in 
the community should join it." 

"A skilled and competent road superintendent should be placed in 
charge, and systematic work should be taken up under his super- 
vision, and each member should donate several days each season, 



54 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

in his own neighborhood at least, until all the roads are in good 
condition, and kept so at all times." 

" 'We need roads which will be as good in winter and spring as 
in summer and fall because good roads will increase the productive- 
ness of the area through which they pass/ They will, also, be used 
a great deal more in attending church and all of our social gath- 
erings." 

"There should be uniform road grading for the entire community 
leaving as much of the road as possible on each side of the grade 
for road parking. The tree commissioners should plant nut and 
fruit trees, also, shrubbery along the roadside for landscape effects." 

"The nuts and fruits may be sold, and the proceeds used for road 
improvements." 

"Prizes may be offered for the best sections of the different 
roads." 

'T would deem it wise to have an employment bureau through 
which each member of the community may get the desired help 
at all times. Those seeking work may register with the bureau 
without any cost to themselves." 

"We may have with profit clubs devoted to stock-raising, grain- 
growing, fruit-growing, poultry-keeping, etc., for the young people 
as well as for the adults." 

"A cow testing association would pay big dividends." 

"A buying and selling committee for all kinds of household neces- 
sities, implements, stock, grains, seeds and fruit would save us much 
money by buying in quantities, and make us more money by selling 
in quantities.' 

"Cooperative harvesting is not only helpful and profitable, but 
is conducive to social life as well." 

"The community may have its own threshing machine, hay 
presses, silage cutters, tractor plows, corn buskers, self-binders, etc., 
thereby saving many dollars because of fewer machines needed." 

"Clubs may be formed to run them carrying along all food sup- 
plies, and employing the help needed in its preparation, thus avoiding 
the necessity of each family feeding the crew. This plan would 
save much labor in the homes, and give wives and daughters more 
leisure time for making our homes more inviting and attractive." 

"Inspection of farm buildings, crops, orchards and stock would 
prove of great value by creating an incentive to excel by having 
the best of everything possible." 

"THE BEST IS NONE TOO GOOD FOR THE PROGRES- 
SIVE FARMER." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 55 

*'We should have a simple, nutritious diet, suitable for the differ- 
ent seasons of the year, properly prepared so as to get the best 
results from all our laborers as well as from ourselves. In feeding 
our cows to get the best milk flow, we feed for that especial purpose, 
and in feeding to fatten any kind of stock, we give such rations 
as will give us the greatest increase in the least possible time. So, 
in the preparation of food for ourselves and those who are working 
for us, we should have a balanced ration suitable for the season 
and the work in hand." 

"We should, also, remember when in the preparation of our food 
that we should satisfy all the conditions for good health and clear 
thinking, for food should be more than mere subsistence." 

"In clothing, we should keep in mind the season. Do not go to 
extremes either in the goods used or in the fashions. Dress for 
comfort and health at all times, and so that you will not be criti- 
cised because of your selection of goods or of the style of dress." 

"Do not forget that your sons and daughters like to be as well- 
dressed as their associates. They will take more interest in their 
work if their desires are satisfied in this respect." 

"We should have an adequate credit system to the end that any 
one in our community may be given a loan on fair terms so that he 
will not need to sell any of his products at a loss should he need 
help." 

"We should have a 'Big Brother' society not only to aid in making 
loans when needed, but also, to help any one who by sickness or 
accident is not able to get his crop in on time or in harvesting same. 
We can make these times social features as well, not only by the 
women preparing the meals for the men in the field, but in helping 
in the homes of the sick or injured by giving aid and comfort." 

"We should see the men of Rochester who own farms in the 
community, and get them to take part in all our activities for what- 
ever the city does for the country it does for itself, and it may be 
that most of them will return to the old farms." 

"In attempting to make our farms more productive there is no 
reason why we should not plan to make them as beautiful to the 
eye as possible. We should conserve all the beauty of the landscape, 
and add to its beauties wherever we can. All this not only enhances 
property values but creates a sympathetic love of Nature." 

"Community parking and well-kept lawns should be the rule, and 
not the exception." 

"You may be thinking of how all this is to be done as much 
thought, labor and money will be required to accomplish all these 
things." 



56 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"We must keep in mind that the final object in life is not to make 
money for money's sake alone, but to use money in developing a 
higher type of living and a better community." 

"The wealth of the entire community should be placed at the 
disposal of this church to the end that not only may we have a new, 
modern church building, but all other buildings for community 
betterment." 

"Let us donate what money we can spare at the present time, as 
a fund, for the beginning of all necessary buildings and then in 
addition to this free will offering, let us set apart one-tenth of our 
yearly incomes each year for ten years for retiring the indebtedness 
on same." 

"I thoroughly believe that each one of you will be prospered 
beyond your highest expectations by giving thus to the Lord's work." 

"We should be conscientious, cheerful, financial givers, as we are 
but stewards of God's bounties to us." 

"There should be a voluntary response by every person when the 
time comes for action, as we are responsible for every soul in the 
community." 

"I have mentioned many things that may be done in making 
Fernwood a place wherein each one of us will delight to dwell. 
I trust that all or some of the suggestions at least may be taken 
up by you and brought to full fruition." 

" 'With larger conception of the mission of the church, with im- 
proved buildings adapted to cheerful worship as well as to different 
forms of social effort, and with liberal, active, earnest, consecrated 
people, the church may be the center of the community's thoughts, 
affections, its social center and its chief institution.' " 

" T want to help you to grow as beautiful as God meant you 
to be when he thought of you first.' " 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 57 

XI. 

FERNS 

"The woods were made for the hunters of dreams. 
The brooks for the fishers of song. 
To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game 
The woods and the streams belong. 

There are thoughts that moan from the soul of the pine, 
And thoughts in the flower-bell curled, 

And the thoughts that are blown from the scent of the fern 
Are as new and as old as the world." 

"What do you think of brother Jones' address, Miss Wilson?" 

"I think it was grand, Mr. Young. While I knew that he is a 
very able pastor, and knew much about his theme, I did not realize 
that he had such a general grasp of the subject. I am wondering 
if the good people of Fernwood will sanction all that he said?" 

"Yes, I believe that every one will finally come to his way of 
thinking, and will want to do his or her part in the great work as 
it will mean so much to us." 

"Do you think that the community as a whole will adopt his plan 
of setting apart one-tenth of their incomes to the fund for the pur- 
pose of building the community center as he outlined?" 

"Yes, I believe that they will all fall into line. Several spoke 
very highly of his suggestion. I made arrangements with brother 
Jones to spend all the time till the meeting Wednesday night in 
visiting the different members, and find out their views about the 
plans, and get all the suggestions that will be helpful in adopting 
them." 

"Son, I am expecting you to take us around in your car." 

"I will be glad to do so provided I can be spared from the field." 

"In such a cause, we will expect you to do so even if we have to 
get some one in your place." 

"Mr. Young, you will certainly be appreciated by the rising gen- 
eration for your efforts in their behalf." 

"I feel that this is a duty I owe to the community without any 
thought of what any one may think of my actions. If any one is 
to be thanked, I think that Frank is the one as he has shown me 
the way, and has already done more than any one else so far." 

"Mr. Frank, you seem to be a remarkable young man to get things 
coming your way so rapidly. What is the prescription?" 

"You credit me with powers that I do not possess. I have only 



58 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

done my duty as I see it. I surely would feel guilty seeing the 
needs and knowing the desires of many of the young people m 
our community, and not do what I can to bring about a better state 

"Oh, how I wish every community in the land had a Frank 

Young." . 

"Come, Miss Wilson, I am only an ordinary country boy with 

but little of what the world calls education." 

''Just the same, it is a mighty good thing for this community that 
you are one in a thousand." 

"Son, take Miss Wilson down to Blue River and show her the 
beautiful ferns while Agnes and I get dinner." 

"All right, mother. I will be glad to do so providing Miss Wilson 
would like to go." 

"Mr. Young, nothing would please me better at this time than 
to see those beautiful ferns that I have heard so much about." 

"Thank you, Mrs. Young, for the suggestion." 

"Mr. Young, I must agree with Milton when he says, Tn those 
vernal seasons of the year, when the air is calm and pleasant, it were 
an injury and sulleness against Nature not to go out, and see her 
riches, and partake in her rejoicing with Heaven and Earth.' " 

"That is all very true. I hope that you will not think it a 
sacrilege on my part, when I tell you that I am a much better boy 
by communing with Nature than from hearing many sermons that 
I have heard." 

"No, I do not think that you are wrong in your views." 

"Wadsworth says, 

'Come forth into the light of things : 

Let Nature be your teacher.' " 

"Young says, 'The course of Nature is the art of God.' " 

"Miss Wilson, I am glad that you used these quotations. They 
set me to thinking more and more about Nature and Nature's God. 
I verily believe that if the people who live in the crowded cities 
were to get out into the open country and wooded dells, and see the 
beauty of God's handiwork, they would be better men and women." 

"Yes, I believe that to be true, and I also believe that if more 
of our ministers would give us sermons about stones, running brooks, 
the beautiful flowers and the myriad voices of Nature praising God 
instead of about creeds, theology and the uncharitable comparisons 
about their relative standing as to membership, etc., we would be 
much better off. We would be thinking more about 'loving our 
neighbors as ourselves,' and not about how our church excels our 
sister churches." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 59 

"Isn't that a beautiful view of Blue River gleaming between the 
grand, old forest trees?" 

"Please stop your auto, I wish to take in all the beauty of the 
scene. One seldom has a chance to see a running stream through 
the vista of trees from our present view-point." 

"See the variegated colors of the different trees reflecting the 
noon sun, and the white caps rolling over each other under the influ- 
ence of the gentle breeze. Can't you hear them laughing and talking 
in their glee? Nothing said about their neighbors, no make believe 
that they have a better standing in society, and that money and 
position cover a multitude of sins." 

"I am glad to hear you say all that because I have felt the same 
for quite awhile. I have noticed in what is often called polite 
society that Mrs. Hypocrisy would say, on meeting Mrs. Good, 
'How glad I am to see you here.' She then passes on with a shrug 
of the shoulder, and with uplifted eyebrows as much as to say, you 
are not in my set because your dress is not in the latest style, you 
lack society polish and you have no position, and but little money. 
I like to think well of every one, but when I know how Mrs. Hypoc- 
risy gets angry at Mr. Hypocrisy when she can not get all the 
money she wants, and tells him that he is disgusting, my heart goes 
out in sympathy to him. Mr. Young, I blush for my sex as they 
make disparaging remarks about each other, and fritter away their 
time and money upon society frivolities. They are not true help- 
meets to their husbands nor are they wise mothers. I have noticed 
how they neglect their children's welfare while they spend their time 
in society." 

"Here we are in sight of the prettiest field of ferns that I know 
of." 

"Will we have time to walk among them? I never saw anything 
like this." 

"We can spend a short time at least among them. Mother will 
not care if we are a few minutes late for dinner." 

"It certainly is a grand sight to see such vast numbers and so many 
different varieties. Fernwood is royally named, Mr. Young." 

"I come here in the evening to commune with Nature, when 
things do not seem to come my way. Every fern, flower, shrub 
and tree seem to say to me, 'Cheer up my boy your time is coming, 
all will be well.' Then I would think of these lines: 

'Pokin' round 'mid ferns and mosses, 
Like a hop-toad or a snail, 
Somehow seems to lighten crosses 
Where my heart would elsewise fail.' 



6o FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

Then I would go home comforted with the thought that my 
Heavenly Father knows what is best for me, and if it is right for 
me to have the desires of my heart fulfilled, He will bring them 
to pass. I am very happy today because I feel that the desires 
of my heart are about to be granted." 

"I rejoice with you, Mr. Young, and I believe that you are going 
to get more than you are expecting ere long." 

''Well, well, here are some of my old friends. How do you do, 
Mr. Ostrich Fern, the most regal of your family? I trust that you 
are living up to your royal name, and do not impose upon any of 
your relatives because they are smaller." 

"Good afternoon, Miss Maidenhair, you little fairy with your 
soft pink stalks. You need not blush because we are looking at 

you." 

"Well, Mr. Oak Fern, you are not as green as you look so do 
not attempt any liberties with us." 

"And you, Mr. Cinnamon Fern, do not put on any airs because 
you are so dignified and stately." 

"Now come, Miss Sensitive Fern, you need not try to hide 
yourself because we are coming. You have many good qualities 
that we admire." 

"Where are you. Miss Hay-scented Fern? Here you are behind 
this large oak tree. I knew you were somewhere near by." 

"What are you doing up there, Mr. Pui-ple Cliff Brake, on that 
ledge of rocks? Even if you are beautiful in color and design, you 
need not expect us to remain long admiring you, as we must greet 
all of our good friends." 

"Mr. Young, see Mr. Christmas Fern lying here on its bed of pine 
needles. He is getting ready to cheer us up during the winter 
months." 

"Well if there isn't Mr. Jack-in-the-Pulpit. What are you doing 
up there?" 

"I am preaching the good news of the beauties in Nature." 

"You certainly have an appreciative audience." 

"Oh, Mr. Young, see what I have found! Ripe strawberries. 
See what fine ones. My! how good they are." 

"These are certainly fine. I wish that we had the time and 
something to put them in then we would have strawberries and 
cream for dinner. I tell you what I will do, I will come here with 
John Wednesday noon or have him come and pick enough for 
supper. Then you may feast upon strawberries and cream, and 
perhaps there will be enough ripened by that time to have straw- 
berry short cake and strawberry ice cream." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 6i 

"But come, we must be getting back to be in time for dinner." 

"There is Miss Maidenhair Spleenwort ahead of us in the sun: 
Aren't you pretty enough without having the sun reflecting your 
beauty?" 

"Goodby, old friends." 

"Mr. Young, these few minutes have been a source of unalloyed 
pleasure to me." 

"I will be pleased to bring you here at any time you may wish 
to come." 

"Thank you, I will be glad to return at the first opportunity. The 
community ought to make a park out of these grounds." 

"With the beautiful Blue River flowing through these grounds 
with its virgin forests, ledges of rocks, ravines, wild flowers and 
ferns, all that one would need to do would be to open up roadways, 
build an amphitheater, clubhouse, boat house, small, rustic houses 
here and there, and furnish boats, swings and seats." 

"That will be the thing to do, and I will see what I can do to 
have your suggestions carried out." 

"Here we are. I trust that you have enjoyed the ride and the 
beautiful field of ferns." 

"I have enjoyed it all very much indeed, and I wish to thank you 
again for the pleasure." 

"Here we are, Mrs. Young. Have we kept you waiting?" 

"Not but a minute or two. Come, father, dinner is ready." 

"I hope that you enjoyed the trip?" 

"I enjoyed the ride very much, and feasted my eyes on the 
beautiful field of ferns more than tongue can tell. I never saw 
so many different varieties, and so many in one field. With all 
those beautiful ferns, wild flowers, nooks and dells, grand, old forest 
trees and the river, you have the setting for one of the finest parks 
that I ever saw. It would be a fine place for picnics and camping 
grounds." 

"I have made the same suggestion to Mr. Frank, and he has prom- 
ised to see what can be done." 

"Well, Miss Wilson, since Frank has promised to do what he 
can, it will be done because he will not only have his old father back 
of him, but I think that the entire community will help him. We 
need just such a place so that our young people will have the 
pleasures of boat riding, holding picnics, giving camping out parties 
and other diversions without having to go to the city to get them." 

"No doubt, we old folks would like to go along once in a while. 
In fact, I believe that the young people as well as their parents of 



62 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

Hart's Grove and Rochester would enjoy being entertained by us 
now and then since they do not have a place that will begin to 
compare with ours." 

"I am delighted to hear you say that you will help. Won't we 
have fine times, Miss Agnes, planning and carrying out our plans 
for picnics and camping out parties?" 

"We surely will. Oh, how I wish that we could begin soon." 

"I believe that all you have suggested will be of great help in 
getting the people together for the social uplift of the entire com- 
munity. I, for one, would like nothing better than to become a 
girl in spirit once more, and partake of the things mentioned, 
especially the camping parties. I never had the pleasure of camping 
out in my life and here I am getting along in years." 

"Never mind, mother, you shall have your wish fulfilled. You 
know that we own the land occupied by the field of ferns, and so 
we will see that all the necessary improvements as suggested by 
Miss Wilson are made." 

"I will employ Mr. Graham, the landscape gardener, to lay out 
and supervise the improvements of the grounds, and Mr. Fisher, 
the architect, to draw plans and supervise the construction of all the 
necessary buildings." 

"If the community will not aid us in providing the necessary 
funds, we will see to it ourselves. Then we will give you many an 
outing to make up for lost time." 

"Thank you, father. I do not wish you to think that I am com- 
plaining, but it occurred to me that I would enjoy a treat like that 
with you, the young people and our friends now and then." 

"You are the sweetest, dearest, and best father in all the world. 
I will see that you are not forgotten at any time when we are plan- 
ning for an outing." 

"Miss Wilson, won't we have jolly times?" 

"I don't see how we can help it when we will have such a fine 
park. With its natural beauties supplemented by the skill of the 
architect and landscape gardener there will be but very few cities 
that can boast as pretty a park." 

"There are so many pretty places in the open country that could 
be made into parks that it seems to me almost criminal not to do 
so because they will not only enhance the value of the land and 
surrounding property, but they would furnish places of rest, recre- 
ation and soul satisfying pleasures that they only can give to the 
tired ones of the farms." 

"It doesn't take a prophet to foretell that there are many good 
things in store for Fernwood ere long. I thank God for all these 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 63 

anticipated blessings not only for me and mine, but for the entire 
community." 

'T agree with you, mother, but since the good book says that, 
'faith without works is dead,' we must all work if we accomplish 
anything. I have faith to believe that our community is ripe unto 
the harvest for all our plans, but they will take much work." 
''Son, I am counting on much help from you." 
"All right, father. I am ready for my share. If you have no 
objections, we will take Mr. Murphy along with us tomorrow at 
least and Tuesday, also, if he can spare the time." 

*T am glad that you thought of him. By all means, ask him to 
go with us after you have taken Miss Wilson home, so that he may 
make his plans acordingly." 

"Miss Wilson, I think that we had better start before long since 
we are to go by way of Mirror Lake. I wish to give you plenty 
of time to admire all its beauties as well as to notice all of Nature's 
beauty spots along the road." 

"I am ready to go at any time." 

"Miss Wilson, I wish to thank you for the pleasure of this short 
visit, and I trust that we may have you with us quite often. It has 
given me visions of many better things to come — things that will 
awaken us all to improve neglected opportunities." 

"My visit with you has been a source of very great pleasure to 
me I assure you, and I will be pleased to come as often as my duties 
will permit." 

"Mr. Young, I have enjoyed being with you and I am very much 
pleased at the stand that you have taken. It means a great deal 
to all concerned especially the young people. God will surely bless 
you, and I trust that all will go well with you in your plans for 
community betterment." 

"Good-by, Mr. Young." 

"Good-by, Mrs. Young." 

"Good-by, Miss Agnes. Come over to Hart's Grove next Sat- 
urday afternoon." 

"Thank you, we will all come over if it is possible to get away." 



64 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

XII. 

MIRROR LAKE 

Peace smiles above the scene. The waters lie 

As still and blue as the arched sky they love. 

No sound salutes the ear, save that, far off, 

A bird recites to his fond mate his joy; 

And silence seems but deeper for the slender sound. 

The butterflies, that frolic noiselessly, 

Think Earth is Heaven and live by loving flowers. 

The trees in social groups, link branch to branch 

And root to root and smile beneath the sun. 

In harmony with all about I rest. 

Within my soul there dwells a thought that knows 

No words, but silent, sweet, it sings to me. 

Peace smiles above the scene, 'tis Sabbath day. 

CARRIE B. SANFORD 

"You have a father and mother to be proud of, Mr. Young. And 
Agnes, bless her. No wonder your father calls her his sunbeam." 

"I am sure that I have, and I know that I have a sister that is 
a treasure." 

"Miss Wilson, I want you to accept my heartfelt thanks for all 
your kind words, and for all you are expecting to do in behalf of 
my efforts in making Femwood what she should be." 

"It will be a pleasure to aid you in working out your ideals. Do 
you realize the amount of work that will be necessary to crown your 
efforts with success?" 

"I think that I do, but having your sympathy, advice and help as 
well as the help from our pastor, from father and mother, and I 
believe from practically everyone in the community, I do not despair 
in the least of ultimate success in the near future." 

"I see that you delight in doing big things. Will you try to carry 
out brother Jones' suggestions?" 

"Yes, I am going to do my best to do so. I will go to Rochester 
early in the morning and bring Mr. Clarence Fisher, the architect, 
and Mr. C. S. Graham, the landscape gardener, out to Fernwood, 
and with brother Jones and father go over the site. I will 
explain our plans, and give them our order for blue prints showing 
the location of each building, and the plots for all lines of endeavor 
— the community center to cover forty acres of ground, ten acres 
on each comer of the cross roads." 

"My, Mr. Young ! You almost take my breath. Do you believe 
that you can get that amount of ground?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 65 

"I think so without much effort. I expect to increase the school 
grounds to ten acres on our corner — I beheve that Mr. Tom Murphy 
will give ten acres of ground opposite the school grounds for the 
teachers' cottage, and an athletic field — I am pretty sure that brother 
Henry Curtiss will give ten acres on the southwest comer for an 
auditorium and gymnasium and the fair grounds — I am confident 
that brother George B. Bond will increase the church corner to ten 
acres for Fernwood's cooperative utility buildings." 

"I do hope that you will not be disappointed, and that the plans 
will please everyone so that they may be acted upon at once." 

'Tsn't that a pretty view just ahead of us, Mr. Young? Please 
drive slowly so that we may not miss any of its beauty." 

"We will soon come to Blue River. The road skirts the river for 
some three miles before we come to Mirror Lake, of which it is the 
outlet. We can see the river after we make the next turn." 

*T am so glad that you suggested taking me home by this road, 
and if it is any prettier, I don't see how I can thank you enough.'* 

"You will find it more beautiful, and I will be amply paid, without 
any thanks, to see you enjoy the scenery. I will not anticipate 
your pleasure by describing the different points of interest, but let 
you feast upon them as they come into view." 

"Stop, Mr, Young. Isn't that a magnificent view? Few things 
in Nature are more beautiful, and more impressive than the clear, 
sparkling Blue River as it flows gently along in its bed that is cur- 
tained with noble, old forest trees. See the river as it makes the 
turn some distance ahead of us — the rounded hill at the right with 
its variegated foliage resembles a huge bouquet — on the opposite 
side is a beautiful farm looking as if the fairies had dropped it down 
among the trees for their playground — ^here and there, we can see 
the ravines opening up upon the river so as to let the creeks and 
brooks race into it — while the tiny brooklet near us seems to say, 

'Here I tinkle and there I dash, 

I ripple, I murmur, I gaily splash; 

Such a mad, such a glad little brook am I, 

Singing along 'neath a summer sky.' " 

"The waters finally mingling with the river, and to all appearances 
becoming a part of it, and are carried on to the sea to be returned 
in the life-giving rains." 

"Thus, in the economy of an All Wise Providence, we sow and 
reap knowing that our efforts will not be in vain." 

"Some will thank the God of all life for His goodness to them, 
and others, if they give it any thought at all, will say that it 'rains 
on the just and the unjust,' and pass on." 



66 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Miss Wilson, that thought has given me much concern. To 
see so many, otherwise good people, receiving all their blessings 
and comforts of life from the God who gave them their being, and 
who give so little heed to all that is for their future welfare, causes 
me to wonder at their indifference and apathy." 

''That is all true, but if we do our duty no one is to blame, but 
themselves. Let us move slowly on so that we may take in all the 
beauties of forest, streams and lake." 

**See that saucy squirrel ahead of us?" 

"Yes, I see him. He has his nest in that large, oak tree near 
the river. There, see that hawk swooping down after him. 'Like a 
squirrel' he jumps quickly out of the way, and now he runs up the 
nearest tree, and hides under that big limb. He has been out hunt- 
ing for his supper. I presume that you know about their feeding 
habits?" 

"No, I know but little about the habits of any of the animals of 
the forest, and I wish that I knew more so please tell me about 
Mr. Squirrel's habits." 

" Tt is a Western Fox squirrel. Its color is a rusty gray 
while its ears and nose are never white. As a rule, squirrels feed 
in the early morning and late afternoon remaining in their holes 
during the midday hours. They eat all sorts of vegetables, fruits, 
mice, small birds, and eggs.' Perhaps, I can best illustrate to you 
the things they eat by quoting a stanza from James Buckham." 

" 'The squirrel, on his frequent trips 
With corn and nuts between his lips, 
Glides in and out from rail to rail. 
With ears erect and flashing tail. 
Sometimes he stops, his spoil laid by. 
To finish and chatter merrily, 
Or wash his little elfish face. 
With many a flirt and queer grimace. 
Anon he scolds a passing crow. 
Jerking his pert tail to and fro. 
Or scurries like a frightened thief 
At shadow of fallen leaf. 
All day long his fence-top road 
He bears his harvest, load by load; 
The acorn with its little hat; 
The butternut, egg-shaped and fat; 
The farmer's corn from shock and wain; 
Cheek-pouches full of mealy grain; 
The chestnut, burred and armored well; 
And walnuts, with their tight green coats 
Close buttoned round their slender throats.' " 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 67 

''My, isn't that stanza full of information about nuts as well as 
stating what Mr. Squirrel eats?" 

"I don't see how any person could mistake any one of them from 
the description given by Mr. Buckham. I wish that I had the entire 
poem." 

"I have it at home, and would be pleased to let you have it. It 
is called the 'Squirrel's Road.' We will soon see old Mirror Lake 
which lies just beyond the turn, and to the left of the road which 
follows the shore line its full length so you will get to see it in all 
its clear, transparent beauty." 

"Mr. Young, I have seen Niagara Falls in all their grandeur — 
the Grand Canyon in all its sublimity and resplendent colorings — the 
National Park that has more wonderful curiosities of Nature than 
any other region on the globe — Lookout Mountain from which you 
may see several states — the Alps Mountains in all their majesty, 
and many other wonders of Nature, but I have never seen anything 
to compare with Mirror Lake to my way of thinking." 

"What with its splendid setting among the majestic hills adorned 
by noble, forest trees — with its shore line disappearing beyond some 
point of land that pushes itself out into the lake as if seeking com- 
panionship or behind some jutting rock that looks like some 
mediaeval castle in the distance — with the clear, pure, limpid waters 
reflecting the trees and rocks, she is well named. All this requires 
no preparation to enjoy her feasts. Let us be her guests for a short 
time at least." 

"Agreed, Miss Wilson. There is something in Nature which 
appeals very strongly to me. Many a time, I have communed with 
her, and I have found out that he who knows her, and forms the 
habit of seeing her as she is, carries with him a fruitful source of 
pleasure and happiness. I heartily agree with Bryant when he says, 

'To him who in the love of Nature holds communion with her 
visible forms, she speaks a various language.' " 

"How true it all is. I can't understand why it is that so many 
people are content to pass her by when she is so willing and eager 
to give them the greatest of all pleasures — the pleasures of 
enlightened senses." 

"Nature is so lavish. On all sides, easy of access, are the lovely 
valleys, picturesque hills, babbling brooks, the beautiful groves, the 
pretty wild flowers, and the deep, blue sky with its fleecy clouds 
floating lazily by, all of which no painter ever lived who could put 
upon canvas such beauty." 

"Listen! Even the sounds of the forest come to us for our 



68 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

entertainment and enjoyment. There is nothing sweeter to one 
who understands melody and harmony than the music of the forest." 

"You were hearing Mr. Bob White calhng his Httle wife. 'In 
the New England States, he is known as the quail, and in the 
Southern States as the partridge, but from his call, he is known 
everywhere as Bob White.' As you know, he is just a plain looking, 
little body dressed in sober colors. It would not do for him to be 
dressed in gaudy colors flitting from tree to tree because he would 
be more of a mark for the thoughtless hunter. He is very fond of 
injurious insects, and the seeds of weeds. Tt is estimated that he 
is worth five dollars each year in destroying insects.' There he goes 
again. He is over on the point ahead of us." 

"Effie L. Hallett tells us something of the happy, cheerful dispo- 
sition of Bob White when she says, 

'Who's whistling so cheerfully down in the clover 
When the meadows are wet with the sweet morning dew? 
He's piping and calling, the ardent young lover, 
And telling his tale the whole morning through. 
What is it he says in the early sunlight? 
Bob White! Bob White! Bob— Bob White !' " 

'Mr. Young, do you see that bird in the clump of small trees down 
near the shore? I am not familiar enough with it to know its name. 
Tell me something about it." 

"Let us leave the car by the roadside and get nearer, and perhaps 
I can tell you. Let us step lightly and talk quietly, so that we may 
get as near as possible without scaring it away. There it is in the 
top of that small, thorn tree in the center of the clump." 

"Do you see the reddish-colored breast feathers, and do you notice 
its large, strong bill? It is a male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and it 
gets its name from its colored breast and its strong bill." 

" 'It is found from Nebraska east to Nova Scotia. It is very fond 
of insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, flies and wasps, also, the 
Colorado potato beetle. Early in May, it feeds upon the tender 
buds of trees, and is also fond of hempseed.' " 

"In Mr. Nuthall's opinion this species has no superior in song, 
except the mocking bird. 'It frequently sings at night and some- 
times all night, the notes being very clear and mellow.' " 

" 'They build their nests in low trees on the edges of woods, and 
quite often on the banks of streams and lakes.' No doubt there 
is a nest in the thorn tree." 

"Mr. Young, there it is in the top of the tree, and the mother 
bird is on the nest. Isn't she a demure little mother in her brown 
garb?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 69 

''She certainly is. You may be more disposed to favor the father 
^vhen I tell you that 'he often takes turns with his little wife in sitting 
on the eggs. He is so happy when on the nest that he sings loud 
and long.' " 

"What an exemplary husband he must be, and does Mrs. Grosbeak 
go visiting while he is on the nest?*' 

"No, I think not. She takes a little exercise, and seeks some 
food." 

"We had better be going. I wish you to see the dense woods a 
little further up the road." 

"How I wish that we had more time so that we might wander 
about to our heart's content. Mirror Lake and the grand, old forest 
with all its living creatures is a place where I would delight to spend 
many happy hours communing with Nature." 

"We will come again sometime, with your permission, when we 
can spend the entire afternoon and evening." 

"That would please me very much, Mr. Young. I will be ready 
whenever you can spare the time after school closes as it would be 
a very great pleasure to be with you, and enjoy the outing together." 

"Thank you. I will avail myself of the pleasure of your company 
as soon as possible." 

"Here we are. I think that you will agree with me that this is 
a very dense piece of woods. Notice the immense size of some 
of the grand, old oaks. The sun seldom shines through the dense 
foliage of the trees." 

"This is grand. Take it all in all, I have never seen a more 
beautiful forest in all my travels, and one seldom sees so many birds. 
I suppose it is because the lake and forest are too far from the city, 
thus the birds escape the destructiveness of the thoughtless boys 
who seem to have no feelings for bird life." 

"That is partly true, but the real reason is that the owner of the 
lake and the surrounding forest will not permit hunting on the place 
at any time by any one, and in addition to that, he sees that they 
are fed whenever it is necessary and protects them in every way." 

"I would like to meet such a man, and in behalf of all bird lovers, 
thank him for his kindness. Do you know him?" 

"I have heard that his name is Mr. Jesse W. Edwards of Spring- 
field. He has a summer home over on the point at our left." 

"Why, Mr. Young, I know him intimately. He is a member of 
our church, and is a Christian gentleman in reality as well as in 
name. He did more to give us our Church Home than any one in 
or out of the church both with his time and money." 

"You must visit me at my home in the city before very long, then 



70 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

you may see the workings of our Church Home. You know that 
our school will close for the year next week, and then I will expect 
your visit." 

"I would be pleased to visit you, but I am afraid that I might 
cause more than one smile from some of your city friends at my 
lack of knowledge of city ways." 

"I am not afraid, but that you will conduct yourself so that you 
may not only be satisfied with your own behavior, but I think that 
you can show our young gentlemen something that they seem to 
know not of that would be of much benefit to them in becoming 
true gentlemen, and not in name only according to my way of 
thinking." 

"You do not smoke, chew, drink, nor take the name of God in 
vain, and so far as my acquaintance with you has gone, I am per- 
fectly willing to have you as my guest, in fact, I would rather enter- 
tain you than any of my young gentlemen friends of the city. I 
believe that I know a true gentleman when I see one. Keep in 
mind that you are to be my guest." 

"I thank you more than I can tell you for your confidence in me, 
and so I will promise you that I will come whenever you are ready 
for me." 

"I am always ready to entertain my friends, so come whenever 
you can be spared from your work. You will be very busy from 
now on with your plans, but come your first opportunity." 

"Oh, what delightful music." 

"Yes, it certainly is charming, and the bird is probably the most 
beautiful of all the thrushes. It is the Wood Thrush sometimes 
called the 'Bird of Solitude' because of his preference for damp 
woodlands or shaded dells. 'His sweetest song may be heard in the 
cool of the morning or evening. The weather does not affect his 
song.' Perhaps I can best express the sweetness of his song by 
quoting you the following stanza: 

'With what a clear 
And ravishing sweetness sang the plaintive Thrush; 
I love to hear his delicate rich voice, 
Chanting through all the gloomy day, when loud 
Amid the trees is dropping the big rain. 
And gray mists wrap the hills; for aye the sweeter 
His song is when the day is sad and dark.' " 

"That is a beautiful thought. How I wish that we could tarry 
longer, but we must be going so that you will not be late in getting 
home." 

"We can stay longer if you wish, but it will be just as you say." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 71 

"How far are we from Mr. Hart's?" 

"It is about nine miles mostly through the forest. The roads 
are in good condition so we do not need to hurry." 

" I think that we had better start now then we may move slowly 
along thus giving us more time to take in all the beautiful scenery. 
I had rather see the beauties of the country with all its varied 
interests of hill and dale, brooks and lakes, and take enchanting 
drives through the forests, and the open country with its cultivated 
farms and beautiful homes than to see all the majestic mountains, 
the vast plains or the oceans deep," 

*T am so glad to hear you are so well pleased with country life. 
It seems to me that under right conditions, and these may be had 
by any one who puts forth the effort, that there is no more satisfying 
life than is to be found in the country — a life that is free from all 
the worries, cares and hardships from which so many in the cities 
cannot escape." 

"Mr, Young, while I am riding along enjoying all the beautiful 
surroundings to the utmost, and the pleasure of your company there 
is an undercurrent of sadness, along with all these pleasures, for the 
men, women, and children of the cities who are longing for the 
sight of majestic hills, adorned by noble, old forest trees — ^the clear, 
pure, sparkling waters of the brooks, rivers and lakes — the beautiful 
wild flowers blooming along the roadside, and in the forest — to 
hear the enchanting songs of the birds in the groves or upon the 
wing, and who are not able to get away from their daily grind." 

"I know that some societies and some lines of business have their 
annual picnics, but the great mass of those who must labor with their 
hands for a living, and whose families seldom get away from their 
homes, never get to go with them. My heart goes out after them, 
and I often wish it were in my power to give them an outing." 

"Miss Wilson, what is there to hinder you and me from giving 
such an outing every fall to the Rochester people, and say at our 
Home-Coming Week services or at our Harvest Moon Festival?" 

"Do you really believe that your people will agree to such a plan, 
and if so, how will they get out as most of them have no means 
of conveyance?" 

"Yes, I believe that every one will gladly agree to our plan, and 
not only that, but will furnish plenty of conveyances. We might 
make a procession of the trip, and have the band head it." 

"I hope that everything will be carried out as we plan it, and if 
there is any money needed at any time, please keep in mind that I 
am to be the banker. I long for the time to come so that we may 



*•;,' 



72 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

see the happy faces of the parents and children as they pass to and 
fro from one point of interest to another so as to not miss a thing/' 
*Ts that Hart's Grove quite a distance ahead of us?" 
"Yes, it is four miles away. We will pass over Rock Creek 
about a half mile further on that you will enjoy seeing. You may 
see it where it disappears into an archway eight feet high. If we 
should enter this opening, we should find ourselves in a cave that 
had been made by the slow process of the water wearing away the 
limestone, and forming rooms here and there which, when explored, 
open up to our view, under the torch, many curious formations 
that you would seldom see in caves of much greater pretentions. 
The stream passes out of the cave a quarter of a mile from the 
entrance, and, after a short distance, flows over a precipice twenty 
feet high called 'Silver Cascade,' and on down through a ravine 
finally finding its way into Blue River. You would, no doubt, enjoy 
exploring the cave some time, also, looking upon a very pretty 

waterfall." 

"I would be delighted to take the trip sometime in the near 
future." 

"We will cross the creek down at the bottom of the incline ahead 
of us, and I will stop on the bridge so that you may get a good view 
of it. Here we are. What do you think of it?" 

"I did not know that we had such a pretty combination of brook, 
ravine, forest and shrubbery anywhere near us although I have heard 
the young people speak of the cave and cascade. I am more than 
ever anxious to visit it now." 

"Wouldn't it be great if Hart's Grove and Fernwood communities 
would have a parking system taking in the cave and cascade. Mirror 
Lake, Blue River, Fernwood Park, and all other natural features 
in the neighborhood as well as having crossroads' fountains with 
their attendant flowers and shrubbery, also, a road parking system? 
Perhaps Rochester would be glad to join with us." 

"She certainly would, and no doubt it will be done after we set 
the example in Fernwood especially when they see not only the 
esthetic value, but also, the enhanced value of our farms." 

"Mr. Young, I see that we are nearing Mr. Hart's. I want to 
thank you for this delightful trip, and for the pleasure of your 
company." 

"It has been a great pleasure to me. Miss Wilson, and I am at 
your service at any time. I will be over after you Wednesday right 
after you close school for the day so that we may go over our plans 
before the meeting." 

"I will be ready to go home with you from the schoolhouse so 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 73 

as to lose no time. If it were possible for you to come in awhile, 
I would be pleased to have you do so, but knowing that you have 
much work before you, I will forego the pleasure and bid you 
good-by." 

"Good-by, Miss Wilson." 

"I do not believe that I have ever enjoyed myself as much as I 
have today. Miss Wilson is charming company, and I must see 
more of her. I must visit her in her city home, and see if she is 
just the same, kind, sympathetic, and agreeable woman as she has 
been with me today. But v/hy should I care — why should I take 
so much interest in her. She is a city young lady, wealthy, and 
with all her financial interests at least in the city so why should I 
be so interested — why should I, a young, country boy, be so much 
concerned about her." 

Thus mused Frank Young before going to sleep. 



XIII. 

BLUE PRINTS 

In June 'tis good to be beneath a tree 

While the blithe season comforts every sense; 

Steeps all the brain in rest, and heals the heart 

Brimming it o'er with sweetness unawares, 

Fragrant and silent as that rosy snow 

Wherewith the pitying apple-tree fills up 

And tenderly lines some last-year's Robin's nest. 

LOV/ELL 

''Father, don't you believe that it would be wise for me to go 
to Rochester this morning, and bring out Mr. Fisher, the architect, 
and Mr. Graham, the landscape gardener, and have them go over the 
grounds with us so that they may have blue prints of our plans 
ready for Wednesday night?" 

"Do you think that it is necessary, and that you will have the time 
to spare?" 

'T believe that it is, and that it will pay to take the time. By 
having our plans in concrete form all may see them pictured out 
just as we plan to have them, and our good people will be far more 
likely to aid us." 

**A11 right, son, go ahead. I will be ready to go with you by the 
time you get back." 

"Good morning, Mr. Graham." 



74 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Good mornin^^ Frank. Why are you in so early? I have just 
finished my breakfast." 

"I am after Mr. Fisher and you to take you out to Fernwood. 
You, no (k)uht, have lieard of our [)lans to make a community 
center? I wish Mr. Fisher, yourself, our pastor, and father to go 
over the grounds with me, and then from your knowledge of the 
lay of the land, and our plans to make blue prints for us showing 
the location of the different buildings, and the plots of ground set 
apart for special purposes." 

"1 am quite busy with extra work for this week my boy, but since 
it is for you, also, because I now have the chance to work out plans 
along my line in what I consider will be one of the greatest fields 
of endeavor, 1 will be pleased to go with you." 

"1 am glad to hear you say what you have about our plans, so 
if you are ready, we will get Mr. Fisher, and drive out to Fernwood 
at once." 

"All right, Frank. There goes Mr. Fisher across the street on 
the way to his office. You call him, and I will be ready soon." 

"Mr. Fisher, come here." 

"Well of all things, what are you doing here so early in the 
morning?" 

"1 am after you. You are wanted at Fernwood, and I trust that 
you will go without any resistance on your part." 

"Well, and what have 1 done that I must go with you? I know 
it is a good place to go, and that your mother always makes every- 
thing so i)leasant, but explain why 1 am wanted this early in the 
day?" 

"We are to have a meeting Wednesday night to consider plans 
for a community center, and of course, we wish blue prints of them. 
I have outlined our plans, but wish Mr. Graham and you to go 
over the grounds with us so you may give us your best service." 

"T will need to go to the office to give some instructions to the 
men about some new work, then T will go with you es])ecially if I 
am to have all the buttermilk I can drink." 

"The buttermilk will be forthcoming, if you do your work well. 
Here comes Mr. Graham so jump in, and I will take you to the 
office in a jiffy." 

"Good morning, Mr. Fisher." 

"Good morning, Mr. Graham. What do you think of our young 
friend's plans?" 

"I think that they are great, and if there were more Frank Youngs, 
the world would be much better off. What do you think of them?" 

"I haven't given them much thought, but they must be all right 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 7$. 

since our young friend is back of them, and so I am going to donate 
my services to his cause." 

"So am I. I beHeve that there is going to be a great demand for 
the building up of community centers in the near future so let us 
do our best to make a reputation in this line as well as helping the 
best young man that I know." 

"I will be down in a few minutes, Frank." 

"Mr. Graham, what are the best shrubs for landscape garden 
effects?" 

"There are many beautiful shrubs for color plans, and for the 
different months of the growing season, but I know of none that 
excel the common sumac and elder. If people had to buy them, 
there would be more of them used." 

"Would you recommend roadside parking, and the planting of 
nut and fruit trees along the roadside?" 

"I certainly would, not only from the esthetic side, but also, for 
the enhanced value of the farms. I would group shrubbery and 
flowers here and there to still further beautify our country road- 
sides." 

"I am glad that you believe in 'Country Beautiful,' but what 
would you do with the nuts and fruit?" 

"They should be sold, and the proceeds used in keeping the roads 
in good condition." 

"Might not the money be used for school or church purposes?"" 

"That is a good idea. While there are localities that use the 
money for road maintainance, I do not know of a single place that 
uses it for school or church purposes." 

"I hope that I did not keep you waiting so that you became 
impatient?" 

"No, I did not realize the time that you have taken as Mr. Graham 
and I were discussing some features of our plans." 

"I have a rough sketch of what we think would suit our com- 
munity. You and Mr. Graham look over it, and check any point 
that you think might be bettered while I proceed to get you out to 
Fernwood as soon as possible keeping in mind the motto, 'Safety 
First.' " 

"Good morning, gentlemen. Did Frank get you off before 
breakfast?" 

"No, Mr. Young. I had just finished mine, and while Frank 
and I were talking about coming out here, Mr. Fisher came in sight 
on the road to his office. It would have been a great pleasure to us, 
if he had arrived before breakfast, and brought us out to partake 



^6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

of your hospitality for we know that Mrs. Young is a famous cook, 
don't we, Mr. Fisher?" 

*'We surely do and I, also, know what fine buttermilk she sets 
before one." 

''She has just finished churning so come right into the dining room, 
and I will tell 'her that there are two gentlemen from Rochester 
who have a buttermilk thirst that has never been satisfied, and are 
awaiting her presence with all the patience possible to have that 
thirst quenched." 

"Good morning, Mrs. Young. We trust that you are as well as 
usual, and that we are not imposing on good-nature?" 

"Good morning, gentlemen. This is a pleasure indeed to have 
you with us. Yes, I am as well as usual. How are Mrs. Fisher and 
Mrs. Graham? You must stop on your way back, and we will see 
that you have something more substantial than buttermilk. Have 
another glass, gentlemen?" 

"Thank you. This is a treat as we do not get such fresh, rich 
buttermilk in the city." 

"Now Frank, we are ready if you are. There will be a good 
deal to do to get your blue prints ready for you by Wednesday 
night." 

"I am ready gentlemen. Come, father, let us be off as we must 
get our pastor before going to the schoolhouse." 

"Frank, you have a very fine pastor, and I believe that he will be 
of great help to you." 

"We think that he is all right, Mr. Graham. I wish that you 
had been with us yesterday so as to have heard his remarks on 
community building." 

"Father, tell brother Jones that we are ready for him and ask 
brother Bond to come, also, if he can spare the time." 

"Good morning, gentlemen. I trust that you are well." 

"Good morning, brother Jones. I am quite well, thank you, but 
am not so sure as to Mr. Fisher as he drank the third glass of butter- 
milk at Mr. Young's a few minutes ago." 

"H nothing more bothers him than the pure, rich buttermilk he 
may get at brother Young's he will live to a ripe, old age." 

"We have much to do today to help this young gentleman to 
attain the desires of his heart so we must be moving," 

"All right, brother Jones. We are ready to do our part of the 
work." 

"Father, did you ask brother Bond to go with us?" 

"No, son. He is in the field at work. We will see him this 
afternoon on our rounds to see the members of the community." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER yy 

"Brother Jones, have you seen the sketch of the community center 
that Frank has made?" 

"No, sir, I have not, but I know something of the plans that Miss 
'Wilson and he are advocating." 

"What Miss Wilson are you speaking of?" 

"Miss Ruth Wilson who is the principal of schools at Hart's 
Grove." 

"Where is her home, brother Jones?" 

"She came from Springfield." 

"I have heard of her, and the good work that she has done in 
her home city. She accomplished wonders in her church work in 
Springfield so, if she intends to aid Frank in his plans, he will 
succeed in having them adopted without a doubt. I have also 
heard of her great work at Hart's Grove." 

"Yes, she has done much for Hart's Grove in making it a desirable 
place in which to live, and I understand that she is to become the 
principal of Fernwood schools." 

"That being the case, we must do our best, Mr. Fisher, to give 
Frank the best plans that we are capable of making." 

"We certainly will. I would do that much for Frank alone." 

"Brother Jones, I believe that Frank Young is the most exemplary 
young man in the entire community. He deserves the best that we 
can give him, and so I am going to see that he gets it from my 
office, also, without any cost to him." 

"I am with you from my of^ce, also." 

"Gentlemen, you are not only to be commended, but you will 
certainly be blessed for your efforts in helping us to make Fernwood 
what it should be." 

"Here we are, gentlemen. Take the sketch, and look over the 
grounds beginning with the church corner as I believe that the 
chiirch should be the center of all our activities." 

"All right, Frank, but have you any idea what it will cost to carry 
out the plans as you have outlined them?" 

"Don't think of the cost, Mr. Fisher. We cannot measure the 
good of community building in all its phases by money values. I 
believe that we will get all the money that will be needed as well as 
the land to carry out our plans in full." 

"If any one can get all the necessary funds for such an enterprise, 
you certainly can do so, but if you need any help at any time, we 
will aid you." 

"Thank you both for your kind offer, and if we need any outside 
aid, we will call on you." 

"Frank, go with Mr. Fisher and Mr. Graham showing them 



78 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

around so as to get the lay of the land. Brother Jones and I will 
remain here at the church, and plan our afternoon's work." 

"All right, father." 

**Now gentlemen, I am at your service, and am ready to do your 
bidding. Take all the time necessary, but do not forget that we 
are to have an early dinner." 

"We will not forget that important event since we know what a 
famous cook is looking after the meal." 

'T notice that you have changed the crossroads from the usual 
square to circular crossing with a drinking fountain in the center 
which is surrounded by a pergola. Outside, a few feet from the 
pergola, you are having curbing with space for shrubbery between 
the curbing and the pergola. Within the pergola, I see that you 
plan to have seats for those who wish to rest or enjoy a visit with 
a friend. This is something of an innovation, but I believe it to 
be a taking feature, and one that may be copied with profit." 

"That will be our chance to work out a road parking system 
making the crossroads demonstration centers as connecting links 
in the system." 

"Gentlemen, wouldn't it be to your interest, as an advertisement, 
if for nothing else, for you to make blue prints of a parking system 
which will include parking Fernwood Dells, Rocky Glen, Rock Creek 
and the connecting roads from Rochester to Rock Creek by way of 
Mirror Lake and Blue River to Fernwood Dells then to Rocky Glen 
and back to Rochester? If this were done, there would be nothing 
in all the land that would compare with it." 

"That is a splendid suggestion, Frank, but wouldn't the cost be 
prohibitive?" 

"No, I do not think so as most of the work would be donated. 
Father owns Fernwood Dells, and I believe that Rock Creek and 
Rocky Glen would be donated." 

"Do you really believe this would be done?" 

"I certainly do. All that is needed, at first, are the plans. Place 
these plans in the hands of the Good Roads' committee, and the 
committee on parking, and under their leadership the rest will 
follow. I believe that all the work would be donated to bring about 
the completion of the system of parking that would do more to 
unite Rochester and the country than any other one thing. The 
city cannot get along without the country any more than the country 
can get along without the city." 

"That is all true, Frank, but there are many cities and towns that 
believe the country is for their especial benefit." 

"That is so, Mr. Graham, but where you find a city that builds 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 79 

itself up at the expense of the country, you will find an impoverished 
people, and finally the city itself will not prosper because of its 
own stupidity in despoiling the country round about and both will 
perish together." 

''You never made a truer statement, but let us finish our survey 
so that we will not delay dinnner." 

"Later on, we will work out the plans for a system of parks that 
you have mentioned, and will interest the Civic Improvement League 
and the Chamber of Commerce of Rochester to cooperate with 
Fernwood and Hart's Grove." 

"You have indicated the location of the schoolbuilding, the dairy 
barn, the swine house, the poultry house, the greenhouse, also, the 
different plots for school gardening and experimental work, the 
field for tennis and basket-ball, now state how you would like to have 
me plan the schoolbuilding while brother Graham notes all you say." 

"Besides the office and reception room, assembly room, music 
room, arts and crafts room, library, print shop, study rooms, class 
rooms and toilet rooms, we will need rooms for the different depart- 
ments as follows : The Home Economics department will need a 
dining room, a kitchen, a model bed chamber, and a room for sewing 
and millinery; the Manual Training department will need a wood 
working room, a metal working room, a mechanical drawing room 
and a storage room; the Agricultural department will need a study 
and library room, an implement exhibit room for type machinery, 
an incubator room, an experimental room, and a room for dairy 
work including the testing of milk, the separation of cream and the 
manufacture of butter, cheese and ice cream; the Science depart- 
ment will need rooms for laboratory work in agricultural botany, 
chemistry, including the chemistry of cooking, physics and physi- 
ology." 

"The laboratory rooms, and the assembly room should be wired 
for illustrated work by means of the stereopticon and motion picture 
machine." 

"Would you like a two story building with or without an ell?" 

"I have seen a one story building that I like very much, and I 
am wondering if you can give us the plans for a one story building 
with the number of rooms needed? There would be much less 
danger in case of a fire." 

"T will see what I can do although it is an entirely new departure 
considering the number of rooms." 

"Now, let us go across the road and note the lay of the land. 

How large a cottage do you wish, and the type of house wanted?" 

"I beheve that Miss Wilson would prefer a cottage of the 



8o FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

bungalow type, and that will be large enough to house some ten 
to twelve people." 

"I am afraid that I will have to plan a two story house so as to 
get bed chambers enough in addition to the other rooms usually 
found in a modern home, and I take it for granted that is what 
she wants." 

"Yes, Miss Wilson wishes a modern home with all the modern 
labor-saving devices and utensils." 

"All right, Frank, she shall have the best that I can plan for her, 
and I believe that I can give her something that will be a model along 
that line." 

"I see that I am to blaze a new path in school architecture, and 
Mr. Graham will also have his hands full along his line." 

"Mr. Graham, I trust that you may be able to give us something 
beyond the usual in landscape gardening?" 

"I am only too glad to have the chance to see what I can do for 
the community not only because it will be the means of working 
out new ideas, but it will give me a greater reputation in my pro- 
fession." 

"Mr. Fisher, you may plan the grand stand so that it may be a 
model of its kind for our purpose, also, a poultry house for Miss 
Wilson that will contain all the up-to-date appliances." 

"Locate the janitor's cottage just beyond the poultry yards and 
garden." 

"On this corner, you will notice that we are to have the auditorium 
and gymnasium, the resident physician's home with the hospital in 
the rear of his residence, and the resident dentist's home." 

"We would like to have the auditorium so arranged that it may 
be used not only for lectures, etc., but also, for our social gatherings. 
Across the hall, arrange for a dining room and kitchen on the first 
floor, and rooms on the second floor for a library, sewing room, 
rest rooms and toilet." 

"The gymnasium to be on the latest lines with swimming pool 
and shower baths." 

"The auditorium to be wired for the combination stereopticon 
and motion picture machine with a reflectoscope attachment." 

"For the fairgrounds on this end of the grounds, we will need 
the usual buildings, and will leave this entirely with you to give us 
the best arrangement of the buildings that our limited space will 
allow." 

"On this side of the road, we wish the following cooperative 
buildings, and so arranged that we may get the best possible results 
with the least amount of labor: Power, heat, water and electric 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 8i 

light plant; abattoir and packing-house; ice manufacturing plant 
and cold storage ; canning factory and grist mill ; fruit and vegetable 
packing-house ; laundry ; seed and storage warehouse ; creamery and 
bakery ; cooperative store, bank, post office and telephone exchange ; 
harness and shoe shop; blacksmith and wood- working shop." 

"Plan for a community hotel, the resident veterinarian's home, 
two married workmen's cottages and a horse barn." 

"li you are ready, let us go to the church and brother Jones will 
give you his ideas for our new church and parsonage." 

"I believe that I have all that is necessary to give you blue prints 
showing the location of the different buildings in connection with 
Mr. Graham's plans so we are ready to go with you." 

''Well gentlemen, has Frank exhausted your patience with his 
plans? Don't you think that he is moving along faster than the 
community is ready to receive them?" 

"No, Mr. Young, we do not think so. Much has been done 
already along these lines, and all that is needed in this community, 
or any other community, is a leader who has the confidence of the 
people, one who is full of enthusiasm, and leads out without any 
thought of failure. Frank will succeed and Mr. Graham and I will 
do all in our power to help him." 

"You are right, gentlemen." 

"Brother Young, Frank is an ideal young man, one in whom the 
people delight to honor and follow. He is destined to revolutionize 
Fernwood, and make her 'blossom as the rose,' and with the help 
of Miss Wilson and ourselves there will be no such thing as failure." 

"Brother Jones, I am very grateful for your kind words about 
Frank and he certainly would be vain if he were inclined in that 
direction for all these words of praise. I am proud of him and 
I win do all in my power to see that he does succeed in making 
Fernwood what she should be." 

"Brother Jones, I thank you for your confidence in me. Have 
you any suggestions as to the new church building and the new 
parsonage?" 

"Yes, my boy, but since it is very near the dinner hour, let us move 
on, so that we may not keep your good mother waiting for us. 
You know that to relish a good meal, we must not let it stand after 
it is ready, and I know that your mother will not feel worried if her 
cooking is appreciated because it will be ready to serve at its best 
if we are on time." 

"Now, gentlemen, while we are on our way, I will state that T 
would like to see our church built along modern lines, and adapted 
to all the community's needs. Arrange for a commodious audi- 



82 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

torium with an inclined floor, a space back of the pulpit for a pipe 
organ, and a gallery with a small fireproof room in the rear of the 
gallery for the combination stereopticon and motion picture machine, 
the pastor's study, the choir room, a nursery, rest rooms, toilet and 
coat rooms with lavatories." 

"For the Sunday school, we will need assembly rooms for the 
different departments with class rooms for each, and so arranged 
that they may be closed during the study period, and may be opened 
up during the opening and closing exercises or upon special 
occasions." 

"As to the parsonage, we will let you consult with our flome 
Missionary Society. Mrs. Young is the president, and they expect 
to look after the building of it." 

"Brother Jones, you are planning a church building that goes 
beyond most town and city churches in its arrangement and equip- 
ment." 

"That is true, but the best is none too good for Fernwood." 

"I am glad to hear you say that, and if I know this community 
and I think that I do, it will give you just what you want." 

"Come right in. I believe that Mrs. Young and Agnes will have 
something ready for the inner man. No doubt you are ready for it." 

"All right, Mr. Young, we will do justice to Mrs. Young's cook- 
ing, but we must see that Mr. Fisher does not get too much butter- 
milk." 

"Here we are again, Mrs. Young." 

"Good morning. Miss Agnes. My, how you have grown the past 
year." 

"Mr. Young, your Uttle girl has become a young lady, we might 
say, over night." 

"She is still my little sunbeam just the same, and always will be." 

"Dinner is ready, gentlemen." 

"You are very kind, Mrs. Young, to give us one of those good 
dinners which can only be found in the country where everything 
is fresh and with plenty of it. We, of the city, do not have the 
chance to get the fruits and vegetables with the freshness that can 
only be had by getting them direct from the tree or garden." 

"You are right, brother Graham. In these times of high food 
prices, the farmer who grows his own food is independent of any 
food trust or conditions that puts up the price almost beyond the 
purses of most people, and is to be envied. There is no place where 
one can live as contented, happy, and without worry for the future 
as in the open country, especially if he owns the land, for, 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 83 

'Sweetly sleeps the soul contented 
In a home that's owned not rented.' " 

"Brother Jones, you never made a truer statement according to 
my way of thinking, but I am sorry to say that there are too many 
upon the farms who do not grow but little if any of their fruits, 
vegetables or meats. I am sorry to say that I did not during our 
first years upon the farm, and if it had not been for Frank taking 
an interest in these things, I might still be in the rut. We have to 
thank him for this asparagus, the new peas, the new potatoes, the 
fresh, crisp lettuce and radishes, the cherries and the fried chicken 
that Mrs. Young and Agnes have prepared for us, yes, also, this 
pure, rich cream, from his herd of Holstein-Friesians, that you 
will use in your coffee and upon your cherry pie." 

'Truly, this is a feast for kings, and I can't understand why every 
farmer does not grow his own fruits, vegetables and meats unless 
he thinks the growing of them is too small a business — fit only for 
women and children." 

"You are partly right, brother Fisher. I think that the main 
reason is that they were never taught the value of growing every- 
thing that they used, but got into the habit of exchanging their 
staple crops for canned goods or buying them when needed. What 
say you about it, Frank?" 

"You are both right, brother Jones, and that is just the reason 
why we wish our new schoolbuilding and the other buildings, and the 
plots of ground arranged so that the young people may be given 
the experience in growing everything that may be found upon the 
farms as well as in learning to do the things pertaining to household 
duties. You know that habits once formed are hard to overcome." 

"Then to keep the young people upon the farms happy and con- 
tented, we must give them all the means of satisfying their longings 
for social companionship. That is why we need the auditorium 
and gymnasium, the athletic field, the basket-ball and tennis grounds 
in addition to our church work." 

"I believe that you are going to get them all." 

"Mrs. Young, have you any idea of what the church wants in 
regard to the parsonage?" 

"There has nothing been done so far except to call a meeting 
to decide whether we will have the old one repaired or build a new 
one. I am inclined to think that we will build a new one." 

"I believe that to be the better plan as it would be very difficult 
and costly to add modern conveniences, and I suppose that you 
would wish a modern building?" 



84 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Whether you decide upon a new building or not, you may tell 
the ladies that I will gladly donate my services, as architect, in 
submitting the plans for your approval, and in making blue prints 
of same. I will give this my individual thought as I wish to give 
you a building that will be especially adapted to your needs, and that' 
will be a fit companion to the other buildings." 

"You are very kind, and I am sure the ladies will appreciate all 
you may do for us." 

"Won't you have another piece of cherry pie, Mr. Fisher?" 

"Thank you, I will. It is delicious with this pure, rich cream." 

"Brother Jones, you will, I am sure?" 

"Sister Young, you know my failing already, and with a glass 
of milk it is good enough for any one." 

"Mr. Graham, of course you will not refuse?" 

"That would be an unheard of thing as cherry pie is my favorite, 
and so if there is anything better than cherry pie it is another piece 
of cherry pie." 

"Excuse me, Mrs. Young, but where do I come in? I can stand 
a second helping." 

"Mr. Young, you have always been somewhat of a spoiled boy, 
but never mind, you shall have a generous piece." 

"Son, you will have another piece of course?" 

"Thank you, I will." 

"Mr. Young, with such a fine farm and home, and with such 
beautiful surroundings, you are to be envied." 

"Thank you, Mr. Fisher, for your interest in noticing the old 
home, but it is not what we wish it to be, so just as soon as you 
can spare the time, I wish you to draw plans to modernize it." 

"I will be pleased to do so, and I think that I can see Fernwood 
community becoming noted for its beautiful homes." 

"Mr. Graham, I wish you to put your critical eyes to work upon 
the old home surroundings, and see what you can do to make them 
more invting." 

"I will only be too glad to aid you in planning your improvements. 
If each farm home and surroundings were planned with an eye 
for the beautiful it would enhance the value of the farm as a whole." 

"That is very true, Mr. Graham, I have heard it said that if we 
keep our farms and residences on 'dress parade,' they are salable 
at all times and at a handsome profit." 

"I know that to be true, brother Jones. I know of several in- 
stances V'/here sales were made because of the beautiful surroundings 
in preference to places at much lower prices because they were not 
kept up." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 85 

"Gentlemen since we are through, I beUeve that we had better 
get you back to the city as we must get busy with our plans for 
Wednesday night." 

*Tf your mother will excuse our hurry, we will go at once." 

"Sorry that you must go now, but remember that when you come 
out to see about the plans for our home, you are to bring your 
wives along, and spend the day with us." 

"We will be pleased to do so, and we are sure that our wives 
will be delighted to do so especially since we can come before cherry 
season is over, won't we, Mr. Fisher?" 

"We certainly will and I wish to thank you, Mrs. Young, for 
your hospitality. We have enjoyed the feast of good things very 
much indeed." 

"Good-by, Mrs. Young." 

"Good-by, Miss Agnes." 

"Good-by, gentlemen." 

XIV. 
PLANNING 

"All Nature is a unit in herself, 
Yet but a part of a far greater whole. 
Little by little you may teach your child 
To know her ways and live in harmony 
With her; and then, in turn, help him through her 
To find those verities within himself. 
Of which all outward things are but the type. 
So when he passes from your sheltering care 
To walk the ways of men, his soul shall be 
Knit to all things that are, and still most free; 
And of him shall be writ at last this word — 
'At peace with Nature, with himself, and God.' " 

"Father, are you and brother Jones ready for our afternoon's 
work?" 

"Yes, son. Where do you think that we had better go at first?" 
"Don't you believe that it would be best to call upon Mr. Tom 
Murphy, brother Henry Curtiss, and brother George B. Bond who 
own land cornering at the cross roads, then brother Edwin C. Cook 
and brother B. C. Torreyson, directors of our district?" 
"Why do you wish to see them before any one else?" 
"I wish to have them thinking about donating ten acres of their 
land that lies next to the crossroads, also, to have you speak to the 
directors about employing Miss Wilson as our principal of schools." 
"Very well, son. We will leave the order of the trip to you." 



86 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Brother Jones, don't you believe that it would be a good idea to 
have the community incorporate under our state laws?" 

"Yes, I believe that it would. I have given it some thought 
already. Please state your plans, brother Young." 

"I believe that I would incorporate under the name of Fernwood 
Cooperative Association with an authorized capital of two hundred 
thousand dollars. Let there be four hundred shares of five hundred 
dollars each, allow but one vote per share or one vote per share- 
holder just as you think best, and do not allow more than twenty 
shares to any one person. Have the papers permit us to construct 
and equip all community buildings, and to buy and sell everything 
pertaining to the farms for our welfare along all lines." 

"You have covered the ground pretty well. I would suggest that 
we create a reserve fund for the purchase of shares that any member 
might wish to sell upon moving away, providing any one not already 
a stock holder or a stockholder who has not purchased the maximum 
number of shares does not wish to purchase. Have the shares 
purchased in the name of the association, and to be under the control 
of the officers of the association for the benefit of the church or 
school as may be determined by a majority of the stockholders." 

"I would also have a rural credit system for the purpose of loan- 
ing money to those needing aid at any time." 

"I am glad that you suggest these points. Suppose that you 
draw up a statement covering your ideas for the incorporation of 
our cooperative association, and present it next Wednesday night." 

"Good afternoon, brother Bond. Getting ready for the field, I 
see?" 

"Yes, I thought that I would get an early start. How are you?" 

"As well as usual. Since you are in a hurry to get an early start 
for the afternoon's work, I will state the nature of our call at once. 
You were at church yesterday, and heard what brother Jones said 
about country community building, and the announcement of our 
meeting for Wednesday night. Miss Wilson and I talked it over, 
and we came to the conclusion that this community needs not only 
a new church, parsonage and schoolbuilding, but a teachers' cottage, 
auditorium and gymnasium, fairground buildings, and community 
cooperative utility buildings." 

"To do all this as it ought to be done, we will need ten acres 
of ground on each corner of the crossroads. With father's per- 
mission, I am going to deed enough to make ten acres on the school 
corner, and I am hoping that you will do as much on the church 
corner for our utility buildings." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 87 

"Frank isn't that an unusual request? My land is worth at least 
one hundred fifty dollars per acre so that would mean the deeding 
away of twelve hundred dollars worth of fine land without value 
received." 

"I believe that our community center will not only enhance the 
value of the lands several miles from the center, but it will increase 
the value of the remainder of our lands for more than what we give 
in land. Then in addition to the money value, and I think that is 
the smallest part of it, we should think of the value that our boys 
and girls are to us and to Fernwood." 

'T trust that you will aid us in our efforts to make Fernwood 
what she should be." 

"Frank is right, brother Bond. You know as well as I that every- 
thing done to keep the boys and girls upon the farms cannot be 
measured in money values. Their spiritual and social welfare 
should mean more to them, and to us than all our lands, stock and 
money, so then, if we are to keep them at home happy and contented, 
we must make the conditions as they should be." 

"That is all true, brother Jones. I will see what can be done 
not only for rhy own boys and girls, and all those in Fernwood, 
but also, because Frank is back of this movement. Brother Young, 
you have a boy you may well be proud of." 

"Don't I know it. Why, brother Bond, I was going along in my 
seemingly, contented way, satisfied with my lot, thinking only of 
making more money with which to buy more land, when I was 
awakened to the fact that my boy and girl were longing for social 
companionship. Now I want to say to you that all I have is at 
Frank's disposal, and that I am liking the change far more than I 
supposed possible. We must be going. I trust that you will 'get 
into the game' so we will look for you on Wednesday night." 

"I will be out in full force, and will think seriously of the dona- 
tion." 

"Hello, Tom. How are you this fine afternoon?" 

"I am feelin' purty well, Mr. Young, except for a slight touch 
of the rheumatiz in me left hand. The pesky thing seems to hang 
on longer this spring than usual. An' how are youse, parson? An' 
how do youse loike our neighborhood by this toim?" 

"Well, Mr. Murphy, I think that we have a very fine community, 
and I trust that we may see you quite often." 

"An' I have no objection to seeing youse at any time. What's 
to hinder youse comin' over and spind the day with us." 



8S FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

'T shall be glad to visit you in the near future." 

"An' how's me boy? Anything that I can do for youse today?" 

*'You can do a great deal today, not only for me, but for the 
entire community. You may have heard something of our plans 
from the announcement made yesterday at our morning services." 

"Yes, Mr. Edwards told me about the meetin' for Wednesday 
night as I wuz comin' home from St. Patrick's church and said, 
I must be sure to be there." 

"We will expect you without fail. Our plans call for ten acres 
of land at each corner of the crossroads, and I trust that you will 
be so kind as to donate ten acres of your land to the community 
for the benefit of our boys and girls." 

"Holy smoke ! Excuse me gintlemen. Frank gave me such a 
turn that I spoke before I thought. Do youse expect me to give 
away ten acres of as foine land as lays out doors — land that has 
given me and Mickey much hard worruk and for nothin' in return?" 

"I believe that the remainder of your land would be worth more 
with our community center as we are planning it than if we did 
not improve it." 

"That may be, Mr. Young, but I don't see it that way at prisint." 

"Mr. Murphy, we wish to have our athletic field for baseball on 
the north end of the ten acres, and Miss Wilson, who is to become 
our teacher, wishes to build a teachers' cottage on the corner." 

"I don't know nothin' about Miss Wilson. Who is she?" 

"She is the principal at Hart's Grove at present, but will become 
our principal of schools, if we build a new schoolhouse so that we 
may have all kinds of vocational work that pertains to farm life." 

"O yes, I know who youse means now. Mickey has told me 
somethin' about her, and the worruk that she is doin' at Hart's 
Grove. Youse remimbers that he won the first premium on the 
ten best ears of corn last year, and do youse know that he larnt 
his old daddy how to raise more and better corn?" 

"Yes, I remember it all to well because he beat me several points. 
This movement of ours will not only be of much benefit to Mickey, 
but Nora will have a chance to cultivate that rich voice of hers for 
we expect to have a music department, also, the school will teach 
cookery, sewing, millinery and home management." 

"I want all that's comin' to me children right here at home, and 
since youse put it so strongly, I will think about it, and let youse 
know Wednesday night." 

"Thank you, Mr. Murphy. I am sure that you will never regret 
it. We will expect you. Goodby." 

"All right, me boy, I will be there." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 89 

"Good afternoon, brother Curtiss. How are you and how is 
sister Curtiss?^' 

"We are very well, thank you, brother Jones." 

"How are you, brother Young and how are you, Frank?" 

"We are well, brother Curtiss. What do you think of the address 
given by brother Jones ?" 

"I have given the suggestions that he presented to us considerable 
thought, and I believe that he is right in his view. I have felt for 
quite awhile that something must be done for our boys and girls. 
I had not thought it out, but now I feel that we are on the right 
track to bring about such an awakening for community betterment 
that will make Fernwood noted for her efforts in doing things for 
her boys and girls." 

"I am glad to hear you say that, brother Curtiss, for we wish you 
to donate ten acres of your land next to the crossroads for our 
community center. We have seen brother Bond and Mr. Murphy 
and they seem very favorably disposed toward donating ten acres, 
and with father's permission, I am going to give ten acres to the 
cause. Our plans call for an auditorium and gymnasium, the resi- 
dent physician's home with hospital, the resident dentist's home, and 
the various buildings for our local fairgrounds upon your corner." 

"That seems to be quite a donation for me, but I am with you in 
this great work, and will do all that I can to get everyone interested." 

"God will bless you in your efforts, and I believe that you will 
gain financially far more than your donation, and best of all you 
v/ill have the conscious feeling of duty well done, and the love of 
the entire community." 

"Thank you, brother Jones, for your kind words. I feel that the 
time has come for action, and I trust that our combined efforts may 
unite Fernwood to the end that our young people may find their 
desires fully met right here at home for our children are what we 
make them." 

"I am glad that you feel about it as you say for I am fully con- 
vinced that we are doing as Jesus would have us do for our boys 
and girls, and for the entire community." 

"I wish to thank you for your interest in behalf of our boys and 
girls and your promised aid to me." 

"Good-by, brother Curtiss." 

"Good-by, Frank." 

"Good-by, gentlemen." 

"Good afternoon, brother Cook. How are you?" 

"I am well, thank you. How are you and sister Young?" 



90 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"How are you, brother Jones and how are you, Frank?" 
'T am as well as usual. What do you think of Frank's plan of 
building a new schoolhouse — one that will take care of all the sub- 
jects pertaining to the farms and farm life?" 

"Brother Young, I beUeve that it is just the thing to do. Do 
you believe that the time is ripe for such an undertaking? You 
know that it would cost the community a good deal of money. I 
know that we should not think of the cost either in time or money, 
but only of the results to be obtained." 

"Yes, brother Cook, I believe that the time is at hand for us to 
make it possible for our boys and girls to have such rural conditions 
placed before them that they will be satisfied to remain upon the 
dear, old farms permanently. Poor surroundings and lack of social 
companionship will not give them a love for rural life, so we must 
give them a square deal by acting at once." 

"Frank has asked Miss Wilson, the principal of schools at Hart's 
Grove, to become our principal, and she has consented providing 
we put up a new schoolbuilding. Would you be willing to have 
her come?" 

"I think that we would be very fortunate indeed to get her, and 
so I would be willing. Do you know anything of her plans?" 

"Yes. She was at our house Saturday night, and she and Frank 
talked over their plans before Mrs. Young and me. They will 
present them at our meeting Wednesday night." 

"I will be there with all the family, and in the meantime I will 
see all that I can and urge them to be present, and be ready to take 
a stand for the best interest of old Fernwood." 

"Thank you, brother Cook. We young people will appreciate 
your efforts in our behalf." 

"I am glad to be of some service to you, and trust that you may 

succeed in getting all you may ask for I am convinced that you 

are doing work for the Master as well as in helping yourselves." 

"Brother Cook, the Lord will bless you, also, as He has said, *It 

is more blessed to give than to receive.' " 

"Brother Jones, I know that to be true from my own experience. 
I am doing this because I know that it is my duty as well as my 
privilege, also, to make amends for neglecting our young people so 
long when all the time they were longing for social companionship." 
"That is the way I feel about it, and I am heartily ashamed of 
my indifference as to Agnes and Frank's longing for the compan- 
ionship of their young associates. The schoolbuilding has got to 
come if I have to build it myself, but that will not be necessary 
for if I know the people of Fernwood, and I think I do, they are 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 91 

going to do their share. We cannot have right social conditions 
without we unite, and put all our efforts into one great campaign 
to attain them." 

"Can you go with us to brother Torreyson's ?" 

'T am very busy, but never too busy to aid the cause in any way 
that I can so will go with you now as our time is limited in getting 
everything ready for the meeting Wednesday night." 

"Good afternoon, brother Torreyson. How are you this beau- 
tiful afternoon?" 

"I am well, brother Jones. How are you, gentlemen?" 

"Frank, it seems to me that you might be in better business than 
in giving these gentlemen of leisure a joy ride." 

"None of your joking. We are on important business and Frank 
has kindly volunteered to give all his time before the meeting 
Wednesday night in taking brother Jones and his father around to 
see everyone in the community and urge them to be present." 

"Frank, tell brother Torreyson the desires of your heart at the 
present time." 

"Brother Cook, you know that I was only joking." 

"What is it, my boy, that you wish?" 

"Miss Wilson, the principal of schools at Hart's Grove, has con- 
sented to become our principal providing we build a new schoolhouse 
so I trust that you will consent to her coming, also, aid us all you 
can in getting the new building?" 

"You know that you will get it as I have never known you to ask 
for anything for the community, but what was for its best interest. 
Do you think that you will get your building?" 

"I feel just as sure of it as if it were already built. We cannot 
wait for a bond issue as we want to begin on it at once so we are 
going to ask for a free will offering on Wednesday night. We will 
expect a liberal donation from you." 

"Well, my boy, I am ready to do my part. I want my children 
to have the best that can be obtained for them without having to 
go to the city to get it." 

"Anything that affects the character, ideals and modes of living 
of our boys and girls for the better must of necessity bear important 
relations to their welfare, and any father who does not think more 
of his children than he does of his farm, stock or money is not 
worthy of the name." 

"You have heard it said, that 'The gift without the giver is bare.' " 

"I want to say right here, that anything the church, the school or 
the community needs, I am not only ready to give in money, but 



92 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

I am ready at all times to give myself to the service of each one 
whenever and wherever I can in building up a better community. 
I want no proxy religion for me." 

"God will bless you, brother Torreyson, for in doing for our boys 
and girls as you propose you are doing work for Him. The country 
needs more of such men." 

"Thank you, brother Jones. I believe that the people of the 
country are just as progressive as the people of the city. All that 
we need is some one to point out the things that ought to be done 
and become our leader, and we will gladly follow his leadership 
in working out our community ideals." 

"That is all very true for, 'He is wise who can instruct us and 
assist us in the business of daily living.' " 

"I am with you, brother Torreyson, in not only giving what I can 
in time and money, but also, to consecrate myself to the welfare 
of the entire community. I believe that we should utilize all our 
resources for the benefit of not only our children, but for every 
man and woman in Fernwood." 

"Gentlemen, I am very much pleased with the stand you have 
taken for effective work in all our undertakings for each individual's 
prosperity will be attained only in the community's prosperity, and 
the community's prosperity will rest entirely upon what we do for 
our church." 

"Brother Jones, that is all true, because we will find our church 
to be the best expression of the actual prosperity of the farmers 
in our community." 

"You are right, brother Young, and since you have been testing 
your soils and stock, it is now time to test the members of the church 
and of Fernwood in all our efforts toward our community ideals. 
The church should be the center of all our activities, therefore, it 
is not only our duty, but we should esteem it a great privilege to 
cooperate with each other in the great work before us." 

"Brother Jones, I believe that the time is at hand when we farmers 
must get together and work together as never before for our com- 
mon interests and the community's welfare." 

"The city has claimed more than one of our bright young men 
because of our sins of omission. I think that it is a shame that we, 
as Christian people, allow such conditions to prevail. We have 
boasted more than once of the political and financial success of some 
of our young men who have gone to the city, but in doing so they 
have sometimes neglected their Christian duties, and finally have 
gone over to the world much to our regret and to the grief of the 
poor, old mother at home, and why was this so? Simply because 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 93 

we did not make it possible for them to satisfy their longing for 
social companionship here at home." 

''Brother Cook, I know that to be true but there is still another 
thing that often causes the boys and sometimes the girls to leave 
the farms for the city to seek their fortunes, and that is an allow- 
ance. If you will hark back to your boyhood days, you will remem- 
ber that you had no allowance, at least I did not and how bitter 
you felt at times because some of your associates had plenty of 
spending money without having to ask for it, and you had but little 
if any. You know that if you had been your father's hired man, 
he would have had to pay you for your work, but since you were 
his son, you had the right of ownership and, therefore, you were 
entitled to profit-sharing at least along with each member of the 
family." 

'T think it would be wise to take our boys into partnership with 
us, and turn over the responsibility of running the farms into their 
hands. They will have the benefit of our supervision and experience 
when needed, and when the time comes for us to pass to our 
Heavenly Home, we can give it all up with the knowledge that the 
management is in competent hands." 

"Gentlemen, the boy is a natural resource for whom the church 
should summon us all to work together for his spiritual, social and 
financial welfare to the end that he will prefer to remain perma- 
nently with us rather than go to the city with all its temptations 
and pitfalls." 

"That's right, brother Jones. I for one am finding out that we 
must give the boys and girls a square deal. We must not say that 
what was good enough for my father and me is good enough for 
my children. The farmer who expects his boys and girls to remain 
with him on the farm must make it, and the community attractive 
enough to compete with anything the city may possess." 

"Right you are, brother Young, and since brother Jones, Miss 
Wilson and Frank have shown us our errors, and the way out of 
them, we will be only too glad to follow their leadership to better 
things." 

"Gentlemen, I am enjoying your talk very much, but it is getting 
late, and I think that we had better bid brother Torreyson good-by 
so that brother Young and Frank may get home in good time. We 
will look for you on Wednesday night." 

"I will surely be there with all the family if we are well." 

"Good luck to you, Frank, and 'may your shadow never grow 
less.' " 

"Thank you, brother Torreyson, for your wishes, but I have 



94 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

been told that luck is as you make it — at least I have never received 
anything w^orth while v^ithout going after it with all the energy 
that I possess, all the while asking God's blessings upon me and my 
efforts." 

"Well said, my boy, and you will not only have our aid in your 
work for community betterment, but also our prayers." 

**Good-by, brother Torreyson." 

"Good-by, brother Jones." 

"Good-by, gentlemen." 

"Gentlemen, I am more than pleased at the interest already shown 
this afternoon in behalf of Miss Wilson, Frank and the young people 
of Fernwood." 

"Good-by, brother Cook. Keep the good work going." 

'T will, brother Jones." 

"Good-by, gentlemen." 

"Frank, I am very grateful to you for this trip and for what it 
means to us. I would suggest that you get two or three of our 
young men to go with you and make your trips advertising stunts. 
I do not believe that we could get around in time by stopping and 
talking to each one, besides I must remain at home, and work upon 
the outlines for our suggested incorporation if I get them ready by 
Wednesday night. You can make jolly affairs of the trips while 
you are notifying each family in the entire neighborhood of our 
meeting." 

"All right, brother Jones. I will get Harold Bond, Mickey 
Murphy, Clarence Cook and Dwight Whitmore, and in the morning, 
I will go to Rochester and get some megaphones, banners and pen- 
nants having upon them suggestive mottoes for use both on our 
trips and at the church." 

"That will be just the thing. Let us think out some pithy, pointed 
sayings to go on the banners and pennants that will be appropriate 
not only for the trips and Wednesday night, but that will be helpful 
at all times." 

"Don't you believe that a community yell would be a good thing? 
We can let the people know of our meeting by using it." 

"Yes, that would be fine. What have you to suggest?" 

"How would this do? 

Fernwood — Fernwood 
Always for the right. 
Fernwood — Fernwood 
Come out Wednesday night." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 95 

"Then one of the boys calls out— Who's all right? The rest of 
us respond — Fernwood's all right/' 

"That is good. Perhaps we had better go to Rochester this 
evening, and give our orders for the banners and pennants so that 
they may be ready for us as early as possible in the morning. It 
will give me more time to work on my outlines by going home 
tonight." 

"Very well, brother Jones. We will go now, if I can be spared." 

"I will see to the chores, son. You take brother Jones home and 
together place your order for the banners and pennants." 

"Frank, suppose that we take Miss Agnes along so that you may 
have company on the return trip." 

"By the way, there is to be a lecture on 'Country and City Beau- 
tiful' at the opera house tonight by Herbert Blair, who is an expert 
in his line, under the auspices of the Civic Improvement League. 
The lecture will be illustrated by means of slides and motion pic- 
tures." 

"Brother Young, what's to hinder sister Young and yourself 
from going, also, and attending the lecture?" 

"Nothing but the chores." 

"John can see to them, father. You have mother and Agnes get 
us a lunch while I tell John to see to them, also, tell him about the 
lecture so that Mary and he may go if they wish." 

"We will go as soon as you return so that we may get to the 
city as soon as posible, and after you have placed your order for 
the banners and pennants, we will get sister Jones and go to Hotel 
Grand and get our suppers. Mother will enjoy the evening ride 
as well as the lecture, and she surely deserves an evening oif from 
the daily grind of household duties. I will see that mother is ready 
by the time you get back." 

"I am ready, father, so let us be off if all are ready." 
"Mother, do you know that father is going to the Hotel Grand 
for our suppers?" 

"Yes, son. Father, let us ask for the private dining room that 
we ocupied for our first Christmas dinner after we were married?" 
"Why, father, I didn't know that you ever were there before?" 
"Yes, we have been there several times. Mrs. Hudson, the pro- 
prietor's wife, and your mother attended the same university. It is 
needless to say that they were good friends at school. Since she 
married Mr. Hudson, who inherited great wealth, and your mother 
married an old farmer, they have gradually drifted apart." 

"Father, you are not on old farmer. You are the best father 



96 



I'l'.RNVVooI^ rOMMUNllY (M'-NTIvK 



ill all \Uv world, and 1 wouldn't U'.ivc the old farm with all its 
hallowed nicnHnit's for all Mr. Ilu<lnir>, wealth." 

"(ilad to hear v<»n say that, little snni.eiin. Neither would I swaj) 
plares with Mr. Hudson with all his wealth. I am afraid that you 
will have some little envy in your heait when you see the elegant 
dining; room with all its ime a|)|toinlments, and hear the hue uursie 
and pailaUe oi" the hest fi»od that the season allords." 

"I will enj(>y the food no douht, and I lerlainly will the musie, 
hut it will lafk ihe homey feeling thai molhei- puts into oui' meals 
,s(> don't i^ive \duiself any um-asiness aloiii: that line." 

"r.iother \'oun^, Miss Annies is rii;ht in her way of thinking;. 
Mole! life laeks llie |)rivacy that is to lie found only in the home, 
and also, laeks the spiritual side of home life. Too often, there is 
wine served at the meals especially when there is a han(|uet or when 
someone enleilams friends. I know of a ease where a youn^ man 
hecame a conlirmed drunkard who took his first };lass of wine at a 
h;m(|uet heeanse he could not resist the pleadiu.i^s of the youu^; lady 
whom he look to the l»an(|uet, knowing his weakness which had been 
mliei lied." 

"l>rolher Jones, 1 wonder how the young ladies feel when they 
know thai they were insi lumental in making drunkards:'" 

"I don'l know, hrank, hnl 1 am suw thai I would never forgive 
m\self foi I could nex'cr loigel it." 

"( )f course, the pioprietors or manageis of Ihe hotels have th<'ir 
(►wn private roonrs, hut still there is lacking that privacy of home 
life Ihat is essential for hiinging up young children. There are 
no piixate giounds where the children may pl.i>'. so are often 
found in Ihe ollice or rotunda where they may he teased or 
tormented, all loo often. I>\' jtersons who aie not the hest guides or 
examples lor them." 

"I'rolhci Jones, you nevei sai<l a truer thing. I would rather 
raise my childien out in the o|>en country avva\ fiom Ihe noise, 
rush and tumioil of cil\' life among the heautiful Mowers and the 
singing hiids, also, where they can hreathe the pure air and have 
the hest that old Mother kaitli can alTord for our tahle." 

"As t(t mai!\ing a farmei. I had my choice. 1 did not gel a 
husband who smokes, chews or drinks, and hest ot all, I married 
a Christian gentleman one of (nxl's noblemen." 

"Mrs. Iludsou and I are still good friends, but since we have livc(I 
upon Ihe farm. I did nol feel that I could conscientiously spare the 
lime from mv home and family to keep up our visits as often as 
we did in our stdiooldaNS. She has plenl\' of time at her disposal 
since she does not have an\' house work to do, and still with all her 



Fl-:kN\/V()()I) COMMUNITY CI^N'rivK 97 

wcaltli, she is \\\c s.iinc dear friciid, and wotdd visil me oflcnci il 
1 could spair llie liuie lo reluni her calls." 

"IJrollicr joiics, I tliink llial 1 have Ihe hest wile in all the land. 
vShc s[)eaks of not havinj.; lime for much visilinf;. I waiil to tell 
you that if there is a sick nei^hhor or an ailini; child in the ccun- 
numitv, she j^ets I'lank or me to lake her over al once, and many 
a linu^ we would have had to j^el our own meals, hul for lillle 
sunheam here, the hesl |.;irl in the land." 

"I'\'ilher, yon iiii<j;hl have added Ihal mother is Ihe clnnn of all ihe 
j^irls m I'cMnwood." 

"And I wani to say ihal she is the hoys' hesl friend." 

"And I want to add that wife and I were strangers when we 
came amoni; you, and she took us in and made us feel at home." 

"Ciod hiess you, Mrs. Youn;^, foi all you aie doin.^ for the Master 
and our youni^ i)e()|)le." 



XV. 

1111': MhdciiNi; 

FKT?NWOni)'s COMMTTNTTY CRFKn 

lUrm'iyK) in the hoys and girls and (he youtiy people of our com- 
ni unity llial they are worth far more to us in our homes in the 
open eountry than in the eity, and that they are zvhat 7ve make them, 
we pleilifc ourselres in every way eonsistent with our ahilily and 
means as (food r/7/;;<7/.v to l>eaulil y and keej^ t'eanleous not only the 
eommunity eenter, hut the landseape of Ihe entire eonimun^ity, also, 
lo make it possihle for them to have that soeial companionship that 
they eraiie, desire and lon</ for^ hy ereetin.f/ huildim/s devoted to 
said purposes to the end that they may he perfectly satisfied to re- 
main with us and he ready to lake our places in, makin(/ Ijfe worth 
living in the community. 

"l»i'others, sisters and friends: The time has come for us to hej^in 
our meeting". liefore we elect a chairman, lei »rs look to ( iod for 
His hlessin^s upon our deliheralions, and while we |)ray, lei eveiy 
one, yoiuij.; and old, reverently how in piayer with me that we may 
have the desires of our hearts fuHillecl this very ni}j;lit." 

"Almifj;hly ( iod, our lleavenly I'alhcr, Thou art the maker of 
Heaven and earth and of eveiy livinjj;^ crealme. Thou hasl made 
this earth with all its beauty fur our prolil and ])leasure. We lift 



98 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

our hearts in gratitude to Thee, at this hour, for all Thy manifold 
blessings that we receive from Thy hand from day to day. We 
thank Thee for life, for health, for food, for raiment and for Thy 
church with all its hallowed associations." 

"Still with all these blessings before us, we are grieved by the 
thought that we have neglected to provide those things which are so 
necessary for the well-being and happiness of our boys and girls." 

"We have met here this beautiful June evening to devise ways 
and means to give them the desires of their hearts. They are our 
boys and girls, and they are what we make them to be. That being 
true, we must do our duty by them if we are to keep them with us 
upon the old farms with all their hallowed memories." 

"O Lord, help us to give the boys and girls a chance." 

"Let every one in this church, this minute, resolve to do what he 
or she can to bring to pass the completion of our plans in so far 
as we can this night." 

"Be with us in our deliberations — help us to do our duty, and 
may we walk in the footsteps of our Blessed Savior every moment 
of our lives." 

"These, with all other blessings that Thou seest we need, we ask 
in the name of Jesus, Amen." 

"It is now in order to nominate a chairman. Whom will you 
have for your chairman?" 

"Brother Jones." 

"Brother Vasey." 

"I nominate brother George B. Bond." 

"You have heard the nomination of brother Bond. Is it sec- 
onded?" 

"Brother Jones." 

"Brother Story." 

"I second the nomination." 

"Any further nominations? If not, all who are in favor of 
brother Bond as your chairman manifest it by saying aye, contrary 
minded, no. There being no negative votes, brother Bond is unani- 
mously elected as your chairman. Brother Bond will please come 
forward." 

"Neighbors and friends: I thank you for your confidence in me 
and without any further remarks as we have much to do this even- 
ing, I call for nominations for secretary." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Hopkins." 

"I nominate Charles S. Whitmore." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 99 

"Mr. Chairman." 

''Mr. Brown." 

*T nominate Miss Jeanette Phillips." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Engle." 

"I second Mr. Whitmore's nomination." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Morgan." 

"I second Miss Phillips* nomination." 

"Any further nominations? If not, all who are in favor of Mr. 
Whitmore as your secretary, please stand. Be seated. All who are 
in favor of Miss Phillips as your secretary, please stand. Be seated. 
Mr. Whitmore has sixty-one votes and Miss Phillips has ninety-five 
votes. Miss Phillips is elected as your secretary." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Moore." 

"We will have a good deal of business to transact tonight, there- 
fore, I nominate Mr. Whitmore as assistant secretary." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Colvert." 

"I second the nomination." 

"Any further nominations? If not, all who are in favor of Mr. 
Whitmore as your assistant secretary, please say aye. Contrary 
minded no. Mr. Whitmore is unanimously elected assistant secre- 
tary." 

"What is the further pleasure of the meeting?" 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Young." 

"I believe that everyone in the church understands the object of 
our coming together tonight, but will state that brother Jones has 
an outline for incorporating Fernwood. Frank Young has had Mr. 
Fisher, the architect of Rochester, and Mr. Graham, the landscape 
gardener of Rochester, make blue prints of the plans that Miss Ruth 
Wilson and he have planned for our community center, and will 
call attention to our needs along these lines. Miss Ruth Wilson, 
who has been employed as our principal of schools for the coming 
year, will state some of her plans for making our school what it 
ought to be." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Brother Jones." 

"Brothers, sisters, friends and young people: I have tried to be 
as brief as possible in giving you my opinion of what might and 
ought to be done for Fern wood's welfare, leaving the details to be 



100 1']':knwood community cknii^k 

worked out l)y a coinniittcc oi l)()ai(l of directors clioseii hy your- 

1»» 
. ves. 

"I would .sug}j;est lliat we iiicorixiiate under the name of i'ern- 
wood Cooperative Asvsociation with an autliorized capital of two 
hundred thousand dollars. Issue two thousand shares of stock of 
one huiuired dollars each, payable in ten e(|ual animal installments." 

"Allow hut one vote i)er shareholder rej^ardless of the number 
of shares held and no jnoxy voting allowed." 

"Six per cent inteiest is to be |)aid upon the capital stock after 
the second year as il will take some time for us to ercc t our c(M)i)era- 
tive buildings, .ind to <^ct llicm in |»rodn( live operation." 

"C'reate a reserve fund by settinj^ a|)ait ten per cent of the net 
profits made from co(')i»erative buyinj^ and selliu}.,^ everylhinjj^ j)er- 
taininj^^ to lln" laini and ten per cent of the net |)i()lits resultin}^ from 
the operation of b'ernwo(jd*s utility pl.nit. h rom this fund, the 
Association must buy all shares offered foi' sale .ind if said shares 
are sold .it any time, the |)rocee(ls with accunuilated interest \\\)(m 
same nuist levert to said fund- to providi' for the <lc|)ieciation of 
the utility buildin|;s and e(|ui|)ment to |)ay sick, accident, old aj^^e 
and burial benehts to pay the salaries of the comnumity physician, 
dentist, nurse and veterinarian and to pay any deficit that may 
occur in operating the ])rint shop." 

"If at any time the surplus should grow beyond the required 
amount necessary to lake care of all the above with safel}', the 
board of directors may divide it among the stockholders and non- 
stockholdeis, who are cuslomeis ol b'ernwood's utilities, in propor- 
tion to their patronage in the following manner: One half as much 
dividends to be paid lo the non stockholders as to the stockholders." 

"I lave the incorporation jiapers i)crmit the association to construct 
and e(|uii) all community buildings bny and sell all i)r()(lucts per- 
taining to the farrji and home, and lo do evervlhing desired bv the 
community for its spiiitnal, C(lucalional, social, phvsical and 
economic w el fare." 

"To bring the organization to a successful issue and to lighten 
the labor in doing so by pulling as many to work as possible since 
farming should be a coj»artnershii) business, let me suggest some 
(lei).irtments with their committees." 

DI'd'Ak IMI.N I Ol' 1 lib. ( IlUkCII. 

"i. The Church. 

The church should be the center of all comnumity interests. 
2. I he Sunday school, The Child of the Church, 
(a) The Cradle Koll. 



l<l':kNWOOi:) COMMUNri^Y center tot 

(1)) The I*iini;tiy I )ej)aiiniciit . 

(c) The Junior Dcpartnicnl. 

(d) The Inlenncdiate l)e[)artincnt. 

(e) 'I'hc Senior I )e|)artiiient. 

(f) 'I'he r.rothcrhood. 

3. Tlie Junior Societies. 

4. The Youn}4 Peoples' Socielies. 

5. The llonie Missionary Society. 
(). 'ITe l'V)reign Missionary Society." 

"Tlie conimiltee for this department should he composed of the 
pastor as cliairman, the .Sunday school su|)erintcndcnt, the assistant 
superintendents, the presidents of the younj^ |)eoplcs' societies, the 
presidents of the missionary societies and the president of the 
Brotherhood." 

DI^I'AirrMENT OF EDUCATION. 

"1. d'he School. Its relation to the community in i)reparing' 
the younj^ people for their future life's work. 

2. I .ecture courses— chautau(|uas — dramatics-- paj^eants, show- 
ing the history and traditions of the community, State and Nation 
— institutes for grain-growers, stock-growers, etc. — mothers' club — 
home economics' clul) art chih rruisic clul)- d)oys' and girls' cluhs 
— hbrary-- literary societies local newspaper — I'oy Scouts Camp 
Fire Girls — civic and imi)rovement leagues — farmers' organizations." 

''The committee for this department shall he com|)osed of the 
president of the hoard of directors, the remainder of the hoard, the 
princii)rd of schools, the |)aslor and four other members, two of 
whom shall be women, who shall be elected at the annual meeting 
of the association." 

SOCIAE AND RECREA1 ION DEPARTMEN1\ 

"Inter-school games of baseball, basket-ball, tennis and track 
meets — games requiring team work of any kind for both young and 
old l)oys' and girls' cami)s house i)arties and country club recep- 
tions Sunday school, school and neighborhood picnics — celebra- 
tions of Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, b'ourth of July, 
Thanksgiving, Harvest Home, Home-Coming Week, corn huskings, 
sewing bees, local fair, etc." 

"The committee for this department may be com[)osed f)f the 
pastor as chairman, the i)rincipal and other teachers of the school, 
and seven other members, four of whom shall be yotmg men and 



102 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

young women. The members not named should be elected at the 
annual meeting of the association." 

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 

"To be managed by the president, secretary and seven other mem- 
bers of the association to be known as the board of directors and 
to be elected at the annual meeting of the association. Three mem- 
bers to be elected for one year, two members and the secretary to be 
elected for two years, two members and the president to be elected 
for three years and after the first election, they are to be elected 
for a three year term. The cashier of the bank is to be the 
treasurer." 

"i. Farm Department. 

(a) A committee of three on scientific crop growing. 

(b) A committee of three on stock farming. 

(c) A committee of three on dairying. 

(d) A committee of three on fruit growing. 

(e) A committee of three on trucking. 

(f) A committee of three on poultry farming. 

(g) A committee of three on bee culture. 

(h) A committee of three on soil improvement, 
(i) A committee of three on floriculture, 
(j) A committee of three on forestry." 

"The president of the board of directors shall appoint these com- 
mittees, and are to be confirmed by the board of directors." 

"2. Department of Finance. 

(a) Fernwood Savings Bank. 

(b) Rural credit loans. 

(c) Church tithings. 

(d) Cooperative fire, tornado and stock insurance. 

(e) Sick, accident, old age and burial benefits." 

"The board of directors shall have charge of this department 
employing a competent cashier for the bank." 

"Permit me to suggest that character as well as security be the 
basis for rural credit loans, and that these loans be made only for 
farm productive operations or for urgent family needs. These loans 
should be made so that no one need sell any products at a sacrifice. 
If desired, the products may be stored in the warehouse." 

"As to tithing, I believe that every one of us will be prospered 
far more if we give one-tenth of our incomes to the Lord's work. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 103 

I thoroughly beUeve that, by doing so, we will have enough and to 
spare for the running expenses of the church, Sunday school, all 
benevolences, and pay the pastor's salary without having to pass 
baskets or take up collections. This would be more like business 
and I am sure that if we but give it a fair trial, we will never give 
up the plan. I would, also, suggest that we have a business manager 
for the church. This would give me more time to devote to our 
social and recreation department, also, to aid you in any of your 
farm operations." 

"3. Utihty Department Buildings. 

(a) Cooperative store, bank, postoffice and telephone 
exchange. 

(b) Power house, water works, heat and light plant. 

(c) Abattoir and packing-house. 

(d) Ice manufacturing and cold storage. 

(e) Canning factory and grist mill. 

(f) Fruit and vegetable packing-house. 

(g) Laundry. 

(h) Seed and storage warehouse. 

• (i) Creamery and bakery, 

(j) Blacksmith and wood-working shop. 

(k) Harness and shoe shop. 

(1) Community hotel." 

"An experienced manager should be employed by the board of 
directors. He should have full charge of the utility department 
except the bank, and be held responsible for results." 

"4. Good Roads' Department. 

(a) Uniform road grading for the entire community. 

(b) Cement culverts and bridges. 

(c) Drainage. 

(d) Paving. 

(e) Road parking. 

(f) Crossroads' fountains." 

"For a competent road administration and better maintenance 
of the roads already constructed, so that none of the funds or labor 
be wasted or misdirected, the board of directors should employ a 
competent road supervisor to the end that all of our roads should 
be as good in winter and spring as in summer and fall or as nearly 
so as is possible to have them." 

"Rochester should be invited to work with us in making good 
roads, and keeping them in good condition for whatever she does 



I04 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

for the country she does for herself. The city that takes every- 
thing to itself in the way of material, money or men, and gives back 
only what it does not want is digging its own grave." 

5. Auditing Department. 

"A committee of three members of the association shall be elected 
at the annual meeting of the stockholders whose duty shall be to 
examine all the books of the association pertaining to the finances 
of said association semi-annually, and as often as the occasion may 
demand at the call of the board of directors and report to said board 
the results of said examination. The board of directors shall direct 
the advertising and printing department to publish same for the 
benefit of each stockholder." 

6. Advertising and Printing Department. 

"This department shall be in charge of a committee of five mem- 
bers who are elected at the annual meeting of the association. 
Two shall be elected for one year and three for two years and 
thereafter for the two year period. They shall elect one of their 
number as editor who shall appoint two of the remaining four as 
assistant editors, and the remaining two shall act as business and 
advertising managers. At least two of the committee should be 
women. This committee shall employ a competent foreman to 
supervise, direct and look after the mechanical side of the plant." 

"The object of the paper should be the dissemination of all the 
church, school, social and business news of Fernwood at least — 
advertise the exchange list, the local premium list and the employ- 
ment bureau's needs — publish the auditing committee's reports and 
to do anything else that comes under the province of a home-news- 
paper." 

"The policy of the paper should be to eliminate all accounts of 
murders, burglaries, defalcations, scandals, etc., from its columns, 
and to publish everything of a spiritual, educational, social, pohtical 
and economic nature that has for its object the making of better men 
and women." 

"The print shop shall print all church programs and announce- 
ments, all school programs, all social programs, all fair catalogues, 
individual stock and poultry catalogues, letter heads, envelopes, etc." 

"The work may be done by the school students under the super- 
vision of the foreman, with pay as determined by the committee. 
The expenses of this department are to be borne by the receipts 
from printing catalogues, letter heads, envelopes, etc. If a deficit 
should occur at any time, it shall be paid from the reserve fund." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 105 

*T would suggest that each farm be given a name and advertise 
your products under your farm name. Print it on your letterheads 
and envelopes, and it will not be long before your products are in 
demand providing you are grading and packing properly with quality 
goods. Stamp the name of your farm and name of goods with 
grade upon the container, and let your brand mean what it says 
all the time and you will have no trouble disposing of your surplus 
products and at top prices." 

7. Clearing-House Department. 

"A committee of three, elected by the association at its annual 
meeting, shall have charge of this department." 

'The duties of said committee shall be to list all live stock, grain, 
seeds, fruit or any other surplus farm products, machinery of any 
kind for sale or exchange — list all live stock, grain, seeds, fruit, 
machinery, implements, utensils or supplies of any kind needed 
not only in the local paper, but in the Rochester papers and to buy 
or sell everything needed by the members of this community and not 
supplied from the cooperative store or exchange lists always giving 
the Rochester merchants the option on buying or selling before look- 
ing elsewhere." 

"By buying or selling in car load lots, better prices may be ob- 
tained." 

''If it is found that more money can be made by packing, canning 
or storing our products, the members will be notified to dispose of 
same through the utility plant." 

"Saturday afternoons may be the regular clearing-house period." 

8. Employment Bureau. 

"A committee of three appointed by the president of the board of 
directors and approved by said board, shall have charge of this 
department." 

"It shall be the duty of this committee to list all those needing 
help of any kind whether for daily, monthly or yearly farm work 
of any kind — for the repairs or building of any farm buildings — 
the painting of fences or farm buildings of any kind — list all those 
who are in need of work — list all those who wish to exchange work, 
and advertise these lists in the local paper or upon the bulletin board 
at the store to the end that the employer and employee may be 
brought together for the best possible service and at a price mutually 
agreed upon." 

9. Department for a More Economical and Efficient Govern- 
ment. 



io6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"A committee of three, appointed by the president of the board 
of directors and confirmed by said board, shall have charge of this 
department, one of whom shall be a woman." 

"The object of this department should be the education of the 
members of the community to a higher standard of poUtical life to 
the end that we may have a more economical and efficient local, 
county. State and National government — to take advanced steps in 
temperance legislation — to promote legislation that will give the 
farmer an equal opportunity along with any other line of business, 
and to use our utmost influence to have men of clean, pure lives, 
men of ability and high character to represent us in every department 
of political life." 

" 'The farmer may control the politics of his country, since he 
makes the crops on which the wealth of the country depends.' " 

"Big business gets together to influence legislation favorable to 
their lines of business, and all too often it is unfavorable to the 
farmer and his interests." 

" 'Self-interest is one of the greatest forces in human nature,' 
therefore, if we get what we need from the legislators, we must 
pool our interests and cooperate with each other in working for the 
desired object, keeping in mind that 'we should live and let live.' " 

ID. Department of Law. 

"The committee for this department may be composed of the 
pastor, as chairman, the president of the board of directors and the 
editor of the local paper." 

"The object of this department will be the adjustment of all 
differences of whatsoever kind between man and man to the end 
that there may be no litigation." 

II. Department of Health and Sanitation. 

"The resident physician, dentist, nurse and veterinarian shall con- 
stitute the committee for this department." 

"They are all employed by the board of directors and shall devote 
their entire time to the welfare of the community." 

"This department should make a survey of each farm in the 
community in the spring and fall and as much oftener as occasion 
may demand, noting conditions and the changes and improvements 
needed for the conservation of the health of the community espe- 
cially agaist flies and mosquitoes, also, to see that the water supply 
cannot be contaminated by drains, surface water or by any other 
means, and that all food supplies are pure and in no danger from 
foul odors or contamination of any kind." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 107 

"It shall be the duty of the physician to make a careful examina- 
tion, twice per year, of each person noting the tendencies toward 
any disease and to direct the methods of prevention or treatment 
of said disease — to examine each pupil at least once per year to see 
if his eyesight or hearing is normal — to remove adenoids, if any are 
found, and to note the general health of each pupil — to instruct the 
boys of proper age in sex hygiene — to give instructions what to do 
in case of accidents, poisonings, etc. till the physician arrives-— to 
give talks on personal hygiene as often as may be necesssary — to give 
talks on physiology whenever needed to the pupils, and to be ready 
for duty at all times when called upon in case of sickness or accident 
either at the hospital or in the home." 

'The dentist shall examine the teeth of each person, especially the 
children, at least twice per year and to remedy any defects found — 
give talks upon the care of the teeth as often as may be found nec- 
essary to both young and old and to do all work that is usually done 
in his line for each member of the community." 

''The nurse shall carry out the physician's instructions as to the 
care of any one placed in her charge, and, in case of emergencies, 
be prepared to make any needed suggestions and give all the care 
the case may demand till the arrival of the physician — to give talks 
upon dietetics both at school and before the mothers' club — to give 
instructions as to the bathing, dressing and care of the nursing child 
both to the young lady students in nursing at school and before the 
mothers' club — to instruct the girls of proper age in sex hygiene and 
to give talks to the girls and mothers on personal hygiene." 

"She shall have an apartment at the hospital, and have full charge 
of same under the physician's supervision." 

"The veterinarian shall make a survey of each farm and all 
buildings in which any stock is housed, and be ready at all times 
to make the proper suggestions for any changes needed for right 
housing and care for best results — ^be ready for calls in case of 
sickness or accidents among the stock — give talks to the students 
in animal husbandry at school as often as is necessary and to give 
instructions, when called for, upon any point in his line." 

12. Department of Economy. 

"This department shall be in charge of a committee of five ap- 
pointed by the president of the board of directors and confirmed 
by said board. At least two of the committee shall be women." 

"Its object shall be the elimination of waste of any kind either 
in the home or upon the farms." 



iq8 fernwood community center 

13. Home Department. 

'This department shall be in charge of a committee of five women 
elected by the women of Fernwood at the annual meeting of the 
association." 

"This department will deal with all the problems relating to the 
homes of the community.'' 

** *No farm can be successful which does not include a complete 
home. No home is ever complete unless the woman makes it so.' " 

"Love for rural life is not born from poor, unkempt surroundings, 
and no home is com|)lete with such conditions, therefore, it should 
be the aim cjf ihib de^jarlment tn make every dwelling place in the 
community a beauty spot — one where the parents and children de- 
light to dwell." 

14. Building Committees. 

(a) Church. 
The pastor, as chairman, and two members of the church elected 
by the chun li iiieinbersliip. 

(li) 1 he Schoolbuilding inclu<ling all buildings upon the 
school plant. 

The board of directors. Miss Ruth Wilson and Frank Young. 

(c) The Teachers' Cottage. 
Miss Ruth Wilson. 

(<i) 'I'he Parsonage. 
Three members of the Home Missionary Society elected by the 
members of the society, also, the pastor and his wife. 
(e) The Utility Plant Buildings. 
The l»oard of direcl(jrs. 

(I) Ihe Auditorium and Gymnasium, hospital, physi- 
cian's, dentist's and janitor's home. 

Five members of the association elected by the association, two 
of whonj shall be women. 

(g) The Local Fair Buildings. 
Five members of the association elected by the association, two 
of whom shall be women." 

"Friends, much more might l)e said upon the different depart- 
ments, but I have taken mm li ul your time, but let me remind you 
that farming is a copartnership business. Brotherhood has become 
a real power in the world. We nmst organize for self protection. 
Let us make bernwo(jd an ideal community in which to live and 
bring up our children to love God, home and native land above all 
else. We can all unite on our Community Creed." 



I'l'l^'M\V(i( H) rriMMIIMl'IV ( i'Mrii;ii toq 

*^We will nnw libicii I.I Inank Yuung," 

•*Mr. niajrnian, fallieib, ninthers, friends and yining pen|>le: 1 
will Itiifcily iiill ydur alldnUou Ui uur plant) frum lln^ Uiarl ni hlue 
jMuiib prepared by Mr, FiHher, the architect and Mr. Graham, the' 
iandbc fipr. j^rtiVkufi, (if ItJrttiiebter, and pret5e(ited In ns free of charge, 
11iy will, albu, diinale Hieir i^ervicet? in diawni^ [>lfnib foi <dl nnr 
huildingb and laying off the grunnde m per our planb." 

"Vqw will ndlice that onr planb call for ten acres ut land u\\ 
each earner nf \\if crobsroadb and that the roadway at the irobbing 
is circular, in ilut tcnler of the crossing is a drinking ffiunlain 
iilirrounded hy a pergola, the pergola to he wsed for climhing robes 
Ml vineb. ( intbide tlie jiergnla is a bpace for fliiwerb and bhriihlu ry." 

"^ )n (lie (huHli ioiner, lliere is lu he a modern, chnrili hmlding 
containing a commodiotis auditorium with gallery and space for a 
pipe mgan, A small ftre-t>ro(»f room in the rear of gallery and 
facing the pnl)Ht for the use of a combined stereopticon and motion 
picture ma* hint; sx that we may have illublrated sermons and lalks 
relating in <hinch work; fSunday school rooms for the dilterent 
de)Mrlniei)ib; rooms fcjr the pastor's study, choir, superinlendent 
and ollipr olhcers and teat hers; library; rebi rnmnb; loilcl und <(»al 
fpoms, with lavatories and the nursery" 

"A new parsfjnage willi all modern Lonvememes; a barn wiih a 
horse and cow lot; pnnlliy \'Hn\:3 and a fiiiil arul vegetable gaidrii 
for our pastor's use. 

"< h\ ilie same corner you will nritire that we have planned for 
Ihtt Mbboiiation'b nlility j^lant with buildings for the rooperative 
blore, bank, [jubinllK f, and (t-lcphniic fxihangc; power honbe, waler, 
heat and lighi i»lant; abattoir and packing-house; ice manufacturing 
ai]d rold bloragtt plant; rarming factory and gribt mill; fruit and/ 
vegetable parking hoube; t^ttttl and btorage wareliouse; laundry; 
creamery and bakery; blacksmith and wood- working shop; harness 
and shoe shop; community hr^tel ; veterinarian's home; homes for 
married w(jrknien; barn with hor-'f and cow k*! ; pfiullry yards and 

"( ill I he schoolhouse corner is to be a commodious schoolbuilding 
wiih nmdt^rn f<|iiipHii-nl for all [iractical and cnltnral work." 

"Yon will notii c iljat Mr. I'Jsher lias worked out plans for a one- 
story building that will give us the necessary rooms for the work 
in all departments, and in doing so has departed fnnn the usual 
custom f»f the two or tliree blory buildings. It slioidrl be apparent 
to all that this plan has gieat advajilagtts over the old biyitt hnjldnigs 
w) I ho II I n»y taking your time to enumerate them" 



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FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER iii 

"You will notice the office and reception room at the left entrance 
at the bottom of the blue print. Continuing on the same side of 
the hall, you will notice the music room, two study rooms, science 
laboratory, agricultural room and implement room. Returning we 
have the butter, cheese and ice cream room, incubator room, experi- 
mental laboratory, boys' toilet and three class rooms. Crossing 
over to the right side of the building, we pass the dining room, 
kitchen with the chemistry of cooking laboratory and store room 
and model bed chamber. Going up the hall, we have on our right, 
the arts and crafts room, sewing and millinery room, two study 
rooms, library, mechanical drawing room, metal-working room and 
manual training room. Returning we have the print shop, storage 
room, fruit and vegetable room, girls' toilet and three class rooms. 
Passing to the center of the building, we enter the play court and 
open-air theater. Ahead of us, we notice the platform and stage 
and just beyond the stage, the assembly room." 

"Then we have planned for a greenhouse, hot bed, cold frame, 
dairy barn, swine house, poultry pens, experimental plot, flower, 
fruit and vegetable garden, rotation plots, basket-ball grounds and 
tennis courts." 

"On the corner opposite the schoolhouse, you will notice the 
teachers' cottage to be modern in every respect with poultry yards, 
fruit and vegetable garden. An athletic field with grand stand. 
Forest and fruit trees with which to teach forestry and the orchard 
for demonstration work in pruning, spraying, budding, picking, 
packing, and marketing. The janitor's cottage with his poultry 
yards." 

"On the remaining corner, you will notice that we have planned 
for an auditorium and gymnasium. Across the hallway from the 
auditorium, we will have a dining room and kitchen for our com- 
munity dinners, suppers, Saturday afternoon refreshments or ban- 
quets. On the second floor, we have planned for a library, club room, 
sewing room, rest rooms with toilet and lavatory. The gymnasium, 
bath rooms, swimming pool and toilet with lavatory are in the rear 
of the auditorium. To the west, we have the dentist's home and 
the physician's home and hospital. On the south end of this corner, 
you will notice our local fair grounds with its arts and crafts build- 
ing ; machinery hall ; hall for fruits and seeds ; barns for sheep, swine, 
cattle and horses and poultry house ; a stock ring ; grand stand and 
stalls." 

"The stalls may be used on Sundays, school days and at all times 
for the care of the horses while the carriages, wagons and automo- 
biles may be housed in the machinery hall or in the stock barns. 



112 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

Thus you see that we expect to have nothing, but what may be used 
at all times for the care, comfort and profit of our stock, etc." 

"You will notice that Mr. Graham has arranged the different 
grounds with landscape garden effects." 

"I will not take any more of your time except to say that we young 
people, your children, are looking to you for all these things so that 
we may have our longings for social companionship fully met, and 
that we may have all the equipment necessary to give us that prac- 
tical and cultural education which goes to make of us a well-rounded 
citizen able to cope successfully with the world without having to 
leave our homes. I thank you." 

"Ladies and gentlemen: Miss Ruth Wilson will now give us an 
outline of some of the things that she thinks would be of much 
benefit to our young people in their school work. It gives me great 
pleasure to introduce to you our new principal of schools. Miss 
Ruth Wilson." 

"Mr. Chairman, my good friends : I address you as good friends 
now although I know, but a few of you at present. I believe that 
you are all my friends, and that we will be very good friends because 
we are working to the same end — the good of our boys and girls." 

"The teacher should be a part of the community, so I trust that 
we may soon get acquainted." 

"You love your boys and girls and well you may for they are the 
community's most valuable asset." 

" 'Our children are natural resources of the community for which 
the church, the school and all socializing factors,' yes, and each one 
of us should work together in order to make the community so 
inviting that they will never wish to leave it." 

"Boys leave the farms in most cases because they are made to 
'work like a horse' without any allowance, and all too often without 
any recreation with their fellows." 

"Of course, they eat and sleep in the house, but they spend most 
of their spare time in the barn, and we often ask ourselves why he 
does not feel at home in the house with us." 

"If he were our hired man, we would be obliged to pay him a 
salary, but he is much more than that, he not only labors but he has, 
also, the rights of ownership, therefore, has the right of an 
allowance." 

"He seeks social companionship and recreation the best he can and 
as Jane Addams says, 'To fail to provide for the recreation of youth, 
is not only to deprive all of them of their natural form of expression. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER . 113 

but is certain to subject some of them to the overwhelming tempta- 
tion of illicit and soul-destroying pleasures/ *' 

"So, if we keep the boys and girls upon the farms with us, we must 
make the homes so inviting with books, magazines, papers, works of 
art, music and good, wholesome food, also, good clothes, an allow- 
ance and spare time for social companionship and recreation." 

"To give our boys and girls their God given birthright is our 
mission here and now." 

"Brother Jones has given us an admirable outline of what we may 
do on organization for community betterment, not only for our boys 
and girls, but for the community as a whole." 

"Mr. Frank Young has shown us our building plans. These are 
the tools by which we may reach our ideals — our community goal." 

"Since it is my good fortune to come among you as your principal 
of schools, I will state some of the things that are in my heart for 
the best interests of your children, the young men and the young 
women of Fernwood, yes, and for all of you." 

" 'The good things should come to the country and not the country 
go to the good things.' " 

" 'The centralized school is the only solution for the problem of 
education in the country. Rural life is a better environment for 
education than town life. Schools of equal value can be provided 
in the country more cheaply than in the town.' " 

"Accepting this to be true, I will give you my ideas or plans as 
to how I think we should conduct our work so as to get right results 
in the shortest possible time." 

"Some of you, no doubt, will think that this is a radical change 
from old time methods which have caused more children to drop by 
the wayside than all the corporations and business have in their 
employ in the vv^ay of help, but all I ask of you, at present, is for 
you to give me your sympathy and encouragement, and not pass 
judgment until they are given a fair trial." 

"I would drop the terms primary, intermediate, grammar and 
high school and have no grades, therefore, no grade classes, but let 
the children work as individuals or in groups under the observation 
and direction of the teachers. The teacher should be their guide 
and companion and not a taskmaster." 

"I would permit a child to observe or take the work, in which 
he is interested, with any group of workers." 

"Since we are to have no grades or classes reciting according to 
a daily program, I would permit pupils to spend the entire day, if 
necessary, to have a complete understanding of any topic instead of 



114 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

breaking the line of thought by asking them to take up some different 
work thus causing them to lose interest." 

"Let pupils go as fast and as far as they please as they will do more 
and better work when interested." 

''On entering school for the first time, each child should be given 
individual attention, so as to find out what he already knows thus 
avoiding repetition and causing him to lose interest, also, to dis- 
cover his tendencies or bent toward any special work as soon as 
possible so as to build upon his present knowledge in fitting him for 
his chosen life's work. At this point, we would wish to confer with 
the child's parents." 

"Have no examinations for promotion, and no reviews except 
where some point will reinforce the topic being studied. If the 
different subjects be studied with interest, there will be but little 
need, if any, for reviewing." 

'T would require no home study. If the pupil desires, he may 
take home any book, paper or bulletin from the library having a 
bearing upon the subject he is studying. I would let interest deter- 
mine as to home work and since there is no set time for finishing a 
subject, he need not burn the midnight oil. If the lesson is properly 
assigned, it is half learned. Your wood's guide doesn't say, go 
boys but come boys. The teacher, therefore, should lead not drive." 

*T believe that the time at home should be for social and home 
duties. We should also keep in mind the health of our young people 
and put no extra work upon them during the adolescent period of 
their lives. Many lives and impaired health may be laid at the door 
of the present school system. I know, of my own knowledge, of 
one little girl in the fifth grade who broke down with nervous pros- 
tration trying to rank one on her monthly examinations." 

"Since there are to be no grade classes in our school, there need 
be no shoving up with the rapid workers and no one need be held 
back for the slower ones. Observing these essentials, each pupil 
may finish the subject or subjects whenever he has mastered them." 

"We would have them eliminate all matter not essential in business 
or really has no bearing upon their daily life's work and you all know 
how little of some subjects that you have used since leaving school. 
By doing this and permitting each pupil to advance as fast as he 
masters the subject, at least one-third to one-half of the usual school 
life of twelve years is saved for things more useful to them in pre- 
paring for their life's work." 

"Since no two children of the same family have like tendencies, in 
the same degree at least, we would cultivate individual differences." 

"Furthermore, I would permit each pupil to come to school when- 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 115 

ever he can be spared from home work and remain as long as he is 
interested each day during the year, Saturdays included. Also, I 
would permit any one at any age to use the equipment at any time 
of the year to investigate any farm problem or to master any subject." 

'T would make all our work objective as much as possible — learn- 
ing to do by doing with the things themselves." 

*T would not compel a pupil to take any subject that he will never 
use in his chosen life's work. Some of you may say that we may 
drop some cultural subject by permitting this to be done. I believe 
that we can get as much if not more culture by studying those sub- 
jects that we need here upon the farms, especially if we are interested 
in them for interest creates desire, than we can with all the Greek, 
Latin, Algebra and those subjects that we seldom, if ever, use, and 
I am sure that we can use them for our benefit as well." 

'T will say that the younger pupils will be under the direct super- 
vision of the teachers in the class rooms, and not be permitted to 
go to the study rooms or to any department work without 
permission. 

After they show us that they can be trusted not to neglect their 
work, they may study in any part of the building not already oc- 
cupied — study with a group of pupils or observe any work in which 
they may be interested." 

"Our course of study should be broad enough to fit the personal 
needs of each person in the entire community." 

''Every man and woman needs to work in order to live and I be- 
lieve that it is the duty of the school to aid in preparing each one for 
some income-giving work along with developing the mind, the soul, 
supplying the needs for social companionship and* creating a desire 
for the beautiful in art and Nature." 

*'So, with our buildings and plant fully equipped and ready for 
work, we may give the children and all the community the advantage 
of social life without any baneful associations, of recreation thus 
developing a well-rounded physical body in which the soul may 
dwell, and surrounding us with everything that will educate the head, 
the hand and the heart." 

'T might give you the details of how all our plans should be worked 
out, but we need the time in completing our organization, so will 
close by urging each one of you to do all you can to make Fern wood 
school and community what they should be for the best interests 
of the entire community." 

"Ladies and gentlemen: What is your further pleasure?" 
"Mr. Chairman." 



ii6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY TKNTKR 

"Mr. Frank Young." 

"Fathers, mothers and assutjaics: It is not iiei essary for mt to 
say anything about the object of our c()niing logeilier as our pastor 
lias given us the outUne for incorporation, Miss Wilson has given 
us her ideas of what our school should do, and I have shown you, 
iiy blue prints, the locaJtion of the dillereiit buihlings an«l their uses. 
It is now time for action, so in behalf of <jur young people, 1 give 
enough more land to make ten acres for school purposes as shown 
by llie plat, also, will take one thousau'l dollars' worlli of stork in 
t'ernwood's cooperative assijciation." 

"I atrt sure that every one in the entire community will appreciate 
your liberal gift. We all know that you are giving much of your 
lime in w<irking for the uplift of the community." 

"I iKihi thai eat h one of you have made up your minds as to li(»w 
much you will give, and that you will be prompt in stating the amount 
of stock that you will take." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Henry Curtiss." 

"I will give ten acres of my land as shown by plat for the audi- 
lorinni and gymnasium and the other buildings as indicated upon the 
blur punts, also, will take two thousand «l(illars worth of stock." 

"Miss Secretary jJut George B. Bond down for two thousand 
dollars worth of stock. I will give enough more land on the rimn h 
corner to make ten acres for oni ulilily plant." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. J. W. Young." 

^ will take twenty hve huuilred dollars w<iiih ut stock, antl since 
it will take tjuite awhile for us to get the necessary pajiers for incor- 
poration ready, thus delaying our new schoolbuihiing, if we should 
wait upon our organization, I will make a donation of twenty hve 
Imiidird dnll.oh for brj^innin^ the work at oiur, an<l I linsl that 
each one will give all he can spare toward said tmid, ^uod I mid i(» 
be paid in five e(|nal annual inslallmrnls. 1, also, wihli to say lli.tl I 
am in full sympatliy and accmd with our pastor on tithing, and tiom 
now on, I will give one-tenth nl my income to the Lord's work. I 
never did believe in passing the baskets or begging for money to 
meet our expenses or for any other purpose. If each one of us will 
give one-tenth to the Lord's work, we will have rnoir than we can 
use without resorting to begging, thus we will ii<»i have our minds 
laKen away from the sermon I hti^l thai ra« h <.ih- of v'mi will j^tate 
(hat you will tithe." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Miss knlh W'lLnn " 



FERNWOOI) ( OMMUNl'l y CENTER u/ 

"r wisli Ui sjaje lliai I will linDnit*. a len rlionsrui'l <l<»llaj- le.u'lierii' 
lehideiice to the cimmiuiiily , a live tliouhaud dollar pipe uigaii, and 
a fine ^et of chimes for our new church. Give five thousand dollars 
for the school fund and one thousand dollars to the parsonage fund 
an<l take ten thousan<l rlollars worth of stock, and if necessary to 
raise tlie refjuired amount for incorporation, 1 will take any amount 
of stock up lo hfiy lliousand dollars." 

"I have \ttt-i\ lilhin^ foi Iht* jja^l five years, and it I <hd nol Ihink 
il a privilege and a <luty, 1 would do so l>t*( .juse I liavr |)«-«-ii jjio^pt^r 
ing more than ever since I hegan tithing," 

"Miss Wilson, Ihe entire community will certainly aj)j)reciale your 
Kindness in making tliese generous gifts, especially since you are 
• juile a stranger to most of us. Don't you believe that your gifts 
are nmch too large?" 

"Ml'. <^Tiairman, my ycai ly in<onif" i-, mui li moie than I can use 
so why nol give some ui il whejc it will do much good. I see a great 
future for Fernwood, and I wish to do all that I can for her uplift, 
I trust Ihat I soon will know tvtry one of you." 

"Mr. rh:,i,„,.',n " 

"Ml. ( li;jii in.iii " 

"Mr. Tom Miiij>hy has the floor, Mrs. Young, hu( I believe that 
lie will gladly give way to you." 

"Sure an' I will, Mr. Th.-iirmaii. Nollun' wouM j>l.i/r me nnnr 
hut [ am to come next." 

"Thank you, Mr. Murj>liy." 

"Yoiise are (iutiiely wclcrjine, Mrb. Young." 

"Ml. Chairman, i wish to take one thousand dollars worth of 
stock in our association," 

"I may sny Ih.il there ]< anoih^-i hniMiii}.^ ili.ii needs our atteuiioji 
.'it once." 

"You all know thai om jjarsonage is sadly m need of repairs to 
iiiaKe it habitable, and since it would take quite a sum to repair and 
iiioderni/e it, I believe that you would much prefer to put your money 
into a new building. Il would be more in keeping with our projiosed 
new buildings, therefore, I propose that we not only create a fund 
for immediate use in erecting a new liome for our pastor, but that 
v/r \,f liberal enough that we may furnish it througlioul in a manner 
ili.ii Y/ill be a credit to us. So in addition to my stock, I will donate 
live hundred dollars to the school fund, and five hundred dollars for 
Ihe new j^arsonage with its furni -Jiinr"-,, "^aid fund 1o b*" j>.Hd in five 
equal annual installments, 1 //ill iiih^ " 

'Mr, Chairman, ladies and jintlemen; I had not made up me min'l 
lo give av/.'iy ;i'-; jiurty n p/ere of l.ind as any one roidd wish to own, 



I I 



l'M<N\\< »« H) ( ( )MMl)NI I V ( I'.N'I'I*:K 



iiikI oih- iIi.iI has fiiiihrd iin- .iihI Mirkey many <lays nl ImmI wniiuk 
iitilil l\li;-s Wih>nii, l»lr'i;. Iin '.vvfrl f;i« c, lias ^;ivni iimit* lliaii I rvrr 
«'\|»r(l lo \tt vvdilli, Nnw in l»rli;ill «>l li.iiik Ndinip,, llit* Ik)V, who 
has donr iiinic Iki ihi-. < nuiiiiiiinl y Ih.iii .tiiy mic, .iiid loi a placT on 
w hi( h In hiiiM Miss Wilson','. Iinmr, I will i\vv(\ youse Icn acres of 
I.iimI .1'. (ailed jiti, aiwj will lake Umi Ihon-.and dollars worlh of slock 
Ini iiicsril, niic Mioii>,.iii<| dnilai'. w<»illi Ini mf ^odd vvifr, niK* 
llinii'iaiwl dollars Woilh loi l\liil-.<-\ .md otic lliou ..md dollai-. woilh 
loi Niua." 

"( Hiod l<»i yoii, Ml l\liii|»li\ I ii.il I'. |Iic|m",i •,|»cc( li ili.il I cvn 
heard yon niakr." 

" I'h.il i. all li^hl, Ml". ( haiinian. Il lakes inc a loii^; uhilr '.omc 
liiiK lo iii.iKr ii|i lilt* iniiid, hill when I do, il is for Krcp', I waul 

I lir !)<••. I loi I lid I'd llWOixl," 

"Mr, ( hainnan." 

"Mr. H. ( '. rinifyMon." 

"I will talvc two ihonsaiKl doll.ir. woilh ol .lot K, .md doii.ilc one 
llioii ..md doll. II'. lo llir 'thonl limd. I will lithe." 

"JVI I . ( hail man." 

•'Mr. Will. (i. johii'on." 

"I will Like Ivvnilv livr hiiiidicd dojl.ii'. woilh <d 'lock, and will 
don. lie uiir lliotisaild doll.ii', |o ihc ',< Jionl hind I Ii.inc hccii lilhiii^; 
loi iIh- |».i'.I three years." 

" M I . ( hainnan." 

"Mr. W. I r.iltri'.on" 

"I will l.iKc lout lhoii'..md doll. iin worth (d :,lo(k, .md donate 
OIK- ihon'.md <|oll,ii:. lo the .iliool finid. I will tithe." 

■'Ml (h. Ill man." 

"Miss riidhi.',." 

"I will l.ikr one llmnsand doll. if. wtnlli ol shuk, don. lie live 
liiindi(-d doll.ir, hi ihe school hind, .md live Imndied dollars to Ihe 
I'.ii oii.ij'c I have heen lillmif lot Ihc p.i'l li\c \'e.iiM,** 

■■ IVI I . ( h.iii man." 

"Mrs. I ilv hl.nr." 

"I will don. lie lliiee Imndtcd doll.tr. lo the school liind, .md two 
hmidied doll.ir. lo lh<- |t.ii '.oii.if<- hind. I will lillie " 

"Ml. rhaiiman. " 

"Mr. 1. W. Colveii " 

"I will lal(e two llionsand <l(»llars \v(mIIi <d slotk, donate three 
hundred doll.ii'. lo the school I'niid, and twi* Imndred doll.ii'. to the 
|>aisonaj.;e Innd I .mi lillmi|.;," 

"Ladies aii<l ^;eiillciM< n I'o hasU-u ihe (omplelion ol mii list MM 

II i'. pellinj' I.ilc, 1 will .ipixmil Mer.M,'-. r.illei.oii. lolin.on, l'"n}.de 



I'l'lKNW* M >|) (OMIVUINIIV ( l".N I l',l< 119 

.ind VVnllaro 1(» l.iKc lli«- ii.>m<- . of cm li mic vvisliiiif,^ lo l.'il<c slock 
.iikI iikiKc <l(>n,ili(.ii;. In \\\v (lillnciil limd:.. IMcMsr ^'.ivr \\\c n.imc; 
Willi llic .imoiml;. ,1;. '-non .1:. i('t(*i\('<l In \\\v mh kM.h i<*;.. 

"Ira W. I'ln^ic. Slock, live lliniis.niJ «loli;ns st Imnl Inn. I. (HIC 
llioiisaiul dollars. Is lilliiiif'." 

"Mrs. Ivmma Cook. Slock, (Mic lliousand (l<»ll.ii'. p.n .on.ir.c 
luud, live imiidicd dollars. Will lillic" 

"Mrs. Hcnlali )olm;,nii. Shuk. oim- llimi .iii.I <lollais |>.h '.oii.ij^c 
I'imd, live liundicd doll. 11;.. Will lillu'." 

"Mr-i. M.H|'..iicl rallcr.oii. Slock, (nic llmusaiid dnIlai'S— Mcliool 
I'tliid. Ilircc liiiiidicd doll.M". |».M .•.oii;i);c I'tiiid I w n lidiidird dnII.M'. 
Will llllic." 

"Mr. Adnlph MyCIS. Sl«"K. Iwn lli(ilt'..llld dnII.H'. '.(Iinol llllld. 

live Inmdrcd dollars." 

"Mrs. Marv (olvcil. r.iis(mafM' iuiid, two lumdicd doll.ic. 
Will tillir." 

"Mrs. ( ir.icc l',ii)4'lc. Shuk, mic IIkmi ..iiul dull. us •,< Imnl IiiimI, 
lliicc liiiiidicd dollars parson. i);c hind, Iwn lniiidn-<l dnll.M,. Is 
I il liinr.." 

"( . S. r.ih lilcl ;>1<M,K., Iwciily live liiiiidicd dnil.ii'. •.( Imnl hind, 
niM* llinll'.llld dnll.iril. Is lilllillf^." 

" M I ( i<n I' VaSCy. Slo«k, lllicc llions.ind <ln||;ii:. ;,(li(tnl riind. 
live liiiiidrc<l dollars. Will lillic." 

"Mrs. I'laiiclir Vasry. Slock, live liuiidi<-(| dnll.o', •,< Imnl hind, 
lliicc liiiiidM-d dnil.ii . |».M .nii.ijM- hind. Iwn lnindi<-d dnil.iis. Will 
lillic." 

"Ml;.. I',v;i Wliilnmic .'^'.Intk, live luiii<lied dnil.ii', ,«lm<»l hind, 
lliicc lniii<lird dnll.M', | i.i I '.nii.i)',e hind, lum Inindietl dnil.ii'. I'. 
I i 1 1 II n ) ; . " 

"Mr,, (ill lie I'niid. Slo(k, one llioii;..iiid dnlLir, .(Imnl hind. 
Iliiee liiindicd dollars ji.'ii sonaf'.c fund, Ivvo Inindicd dnil.ii;;. Will 
lillic." 

"|n'.e|>li l\. Morj^ail. Slo(k, Iwn llmiis.ind <lnll.ir. .(Imnl hind, 
niic llmiisaiid dollars. Is lilliiiij^." 

"Mrs. Alice Morgan. School fiiiid, llm-e linndicd d<.ll.ii , |mi 
SOnage ftmd, Iwo liiindre<l <loll;irs. Will lilli<\" 

"Miss llallic. Morj^aii. TaisonaifC iuiid, our lniiidi<-d dnli.n . 
Will lillic." 

"Ml. ViiHciil I'l'ico. Slock, Iwo llions.ind <lnll.ii . .« Imnl hind, 
nne llionsand <lollars. Will lilli<'." 

"Mrs. ()ra Trice. .School I iiiid, I Iimm- Iniiidi cd doll. u , |>.ii snii;i|;c 
I iind, I wn liniidi «-d <lnll.ii s Is I ilhiii); " 

"Mr. |nliii ( . While. .'.|<hK, niir llinir..nid dnll.ii:. s< Imnl hind, 



I20 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

one thousand dollars — parsonage fund, five hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mrs. Lillian Buchtel. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mrs. Mary White. School fund, five hundred dollars — parson- 
age fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Lee Whitmore. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars — parsonage fund, five hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. Homer Scott. Stock, two thousand dollars." 

"Mrs. Florence Scott. Stock, one thousand dollars — parsonage 
fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. C. M. White. Stock, three thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mr. W. B. Read. Stock, three thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mrs. Maude Read. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. John Moore. Stock, five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss Agnes Young. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. Jas. E. Bragg. Stock, twenty-five hundred dollars — school 
fund, five hundred dollars." 

"Mrs. Ethel Bragg. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mr. Henry Graham. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars." 

"Mrs. Louise Graham. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss Jessie Graham. Parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. 
Will tithe." 

"Mr. Miles Frost. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Irene Frost. Stock, one thousand dollars — parsonage 
fund, two hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Miss Maurine Frost, Parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. 
Will tithe." 



FERNWOOD ( OMMIINII Y C l<:N'n<:k T2T 

"Mr. Walter Barker. Stock, three thousand dollars—school 
huul, one thousand dollars. Is tilhinj;." 

"Mis. h.dilli linker. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sona^'e fund, two hundred dollars. Is tithing-." 

"Warren Hayes. Stock, five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Frank l*eters. Stock, one thousand (k)llars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Wni. Moore. Stock, three thousand dollars school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mrs. Fucile Moore. Stock, one thousand dollars school fund, 
two hundred dollars — parscMiage fund, one hundred dollars Will 
lilhc." 

"Mr. i^wij^dil Morton. Stock, three thousand dollars^ — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Mahel Morton. Parsonage fund, one hundred dollars 
Will tithe." 

"Mr. Claude l^>rown. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
live hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss Julia lirown. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage I'und, two lnnidie<l dollars. Is 
lithing." 

"Mr. W. S. Janicison. Slock, three thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. ITeiu-y Wallace. Stock, foni^ thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. Jerry McC^ahe. Stock, two thousand dollars." 

"Mr. Alvin i'^vans. Stock, four thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Fura Fvaus. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fun<l, 
ihree hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. 'ilios. J. Woodward. Stock, two thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Mary Woodward. Stock, one thousand dollars — school 
fund, five hundred dollars — parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. 
Is tithing." 

"Mr. John Walker. Stock, three thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. llattie Walker. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss (jcrtrude Walker. Parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. 
Will tithe." 

"Mis. Fva I'rown. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 



122 



Fl.kNWOOD COMMUNITY CEN'IEK 



five hundred (h)llar^ parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mr. J). C. Smith. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mrs. Lucy Smith. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mr. ( ieorge Colvert. Stock, one thousand dollars — ^school fund, 
three hunched dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. VVm. Hopkins. Stock, three thousand dollar.s — school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss h'mma Hopkins. Stock, one thousand dollars — school 
fund, three hundred dolla is- parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. 
Is tithing." 

"Mr. Koy Hill. Stock, five thousand ikdlars— school fund, one 
thousand dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mrs. Ahha Hill. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars i)arsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. Everett Holt. Stock, four thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. (irace Holt. School fund, three hundred dollars — parson- 
age fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Watson I'ress. Stock, three thousand dollars — school fund, 
one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Christine Cress. School fund, three hundred dollars — 
parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. J. K. Willis. Stock, two thousand dollars- school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. John B. Powell. Stock, three thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. John A. vStone. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Rev. Theodore Jones. Stock, one thousand dollars — school 
fund, three hundred dollars— parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. 
Is tithing." 

"Mrs. l^Ua Jones. School fund, three hundred dollars — parson- 
age fund, two hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. Daniel MaU)ney. Stock, two thousand (k)llars." 

"Mr. Thomas B. Martin. Stock, two thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 



FliRNWOOD COMMUNITY ClONTER 123 

"Mrs. Louise Martin. School fund, five hundred dollars — par- 
sonaj^e fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Chas. A. Ward. Stock, three thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Mattie Ward. .School fund, live hundred dollar.s — parson- 
age fund, one hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Arthur J. Kenton. Stock, foin' thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Mary Henton. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sou.if^e fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. John W. Kdwards. .Stock, three thousand dollars — school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Nettie JMlwards. School fund, three hundred dollars^ — 
[)arsonajj^e fund, two hundred doll.irs. Will tithe." 

"Mr. II. ( ). Story. Stock, four thousand dollars — school fund, 
one tliousand doll.irs — parsonage fund, three hundred dollars. Is 
tithing." 

"Mrs. h'.llen .Story. .Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. Lee Arnold. .Stock, two thousand <lollars school fund, one 
thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Lottie Arnold. Stock, one thousand dollar.s — school fund, 
tliree hundred dollars- i)arsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. J. A. Moherly. Stock, three thousand dollars — ^school 
fund, five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Jessie Moherly. .Stock, one thousand dollars school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund two hundred dollars. Will 
titlie." 

"Mr. Wni. K. lludsop. Stock, two thousand dollars— school 
fund, one thousand dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Anna Hudson. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, two hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. L. A. Cope. .Stock, two thousand dollars school ftuid, 
live hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundied dollars. Will 
tithe." . 

"Mrs. Laura Cope. .Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three luuidred dollars i>arsonage fun<l, two luuidred dollars, la 
tithing." 

"Mr. Walter H. Thonii)son. Stock, three thousand dollars — 
school fund, one thousan<l dollars. Will tithe." 



124 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Mrs. Lydia Thompson. School fund, three hundred dollars — 
parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Homer Shaw. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Grace Shaw. School fund, three hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Walter Cole. Stock, two thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss Miriam Hayes. Parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. 
Will tithe." 

"Miss Clara Mitchel. Parsonage fund, one hundred dollars, 
will tithe." 

"Mr. Nathan Barker. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
one hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Earl Ross. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, three 
hundred dollars — parsonage fund, two hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. P. C. Calhoun. Stock, three thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mrs. Mabel Calhoun. School fund, two hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, one hundred dollars. Is tithing." 

"Mr. Logan H. Dooley. Stock, five thousand dollars — school 
fund, five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mrs. Nina Dooley. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
three hundred dollars — parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Mr. Clifford Read. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
two hundred dollars — parsonage fund, one hundred dollars. Will 
tithe." 

"Miss Efifie Rose. School fund, two hundred dollars — parsonage 
fund, one hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Mr. Alfred H. Page. Stock, one thousand dollars — school fund, 
five hundred dollars. Will tithe." 

"Miss Dorothy Page. School fund, two hundred dollars — par- 
sonage fund, two hundred dollars." 

"Miss Secretary, how stand the totals by this time?" 

"Mr. Chairman, I find the totals to be as follows : Stock, one 
hundred ninety-seven thousand dollars — school fund, sixty-three 
thousand four hundred dollars — parsonage fund, fifteen thousand 
one hundred dollars." 

"Ladies and gentlemen: You have done exceedingly well as you 
have nearly reached the required amount as asked for in stock, and 
have donated liberal sums for the schoolbuilding and parsonage. 
Are there any more subscriptions at the present time?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 125 

*Tt seems that there are some of you who have not fully made up 
your minds as to the amount you will give. I take it for granted 
that there isn't a person in the community but what is in full sym- 
pathy with our movement. When you are ready, please give your 
name with the amount for each fund to the secretary who will 
continue to act until the next meeting. We can easily raise the 
amount necessary for incorporating, and I am sure that we can use 
more, to an advantage, for our new school plant, also, for the new 
parsonage." 

"What is your further pleasure?" 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. J. W. Young." 

"I move that the chair name a committee of three to employ an 
attorney to draw up our incorporation papers, and present them 
to us at our next meeting one week from tonight." 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Mr. Patterson." 

"I second the motion." 

"It is moved and seconded that the chair appoint a committee of 
three to employ an attorney to draw up our incorporation papers 
and present them to us at our next meeting one week from tonight." 

"Any remarks? If not, all in favor of the motion say aye, con- 
trary minded, no. It is carried unanimously." 

"I will appoint brother Jones, Mr. J. W. Young and Mr. W. J. 
Patterson." 

"Any further business?" 

"Mr. Chairman." 

"Brother Jones." 

"I suggest that we sing, 'Praise God from Whom all Blessings 
Flow' and be dismissed as it is quite late." 



126 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

XVI. 
REVERIES 

TO NATURE 

Thou art a friend, that ever bides with me, 
Steadfast as sun to-day or moon to-night, 
Or as the stars which shed revealing light 

O'er dusky meadow and mysterious sea. 

Many wise lessons have I learnt of thee; 

The winds have been my teachers, and the flowers, 
Then snows of winter, and the vernal showers, 

And white clouds sailing tranquilly 

Above my head, 'cross heaven's radiant face. 

joy to know thy ministering servants move 
In my behoof on tireless steps of love! 

Heart-discord now to calm has given place 

1 would be true to thee, my heart to thine 
Thy feebly human to the Strong Divine. 

WILLIAM COWAN. 

"Mr. Young, I was agreeably surprised ?t the liberality of the 
people of Fernwood. I never saw so much interest manifested at 
any place. There must certainly be a good deal of wealth in the 
community." 

"No, Miss Wilson, our good people are not wealthy as the world 
usually rates wealth. Most all of our people are what is called 
'well to do,* and are plenty able to give all that they agreed to give, 
especially since it is to be paid in annual payments." 

"The interest manifested by all was very^ great. There must have 
been some motive back of this movement out of the ordinary. Just 
think of it — over two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars raised 
for the three funds in less than two hours." 

"There has been a growing feeling among our people for quite 
awhile that something was wrong when so many of our young people 
were going to other places for social companionship and entertain- 
ments, also, that quite a few of our young people have left the old 
farms for the city. I have talked with many of our fathers the past 
few days along these lines, and I found that they felt as I did, that 
something must be done, and at once, or we would lose more of our 
boys." 

"They certainly have acted upon your suggestions in a most re- 
markable spirit of generosity, but then, that is what they should do, 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 127 

for by so doing, they are providing the means for keeping the young 
people at home as well as incorporating for mutual interests." 

'1 think that the parent who does not do all in his power financially 
as well as in every other way for the happiness and prosperity of 
his children is not worthy of the name. Children must have the 
right environment with all the means for social companionship 
given them to keep them perfectly satisfied, happy and contented." 

"That is all so true. Miss Wilson, that I am very thankful that 
you have kindly consented to come among us and help us. I think 
that your munificent gifts as well as taking such a large block of 
stock caused some of our members to give largely as they no doubt 
thought that if you, a stranger to most of them, would give such 
a large sum for their community that they should be loyal enough 
to subscribe liberally." 

"Mrs. Young, I would be sorry to have any one give to any cause 
just because I did when it should be a duty, also, a pleasure in this 
case as it is for their own children. I only gave some of my yearly 
income, and, as I have no one to spend it upon except myself, I know 
of no place or cause where I think it would do more good. I am 
sure it was a pleasure to be able to do what little I did to aid in the 
uplift of the community in which I expect to make my home, for 
a short time at least, as your principal of schools." 

"My, that will be fine. I am so glad to hear you say that as we 
young ladies of Fernwood are already thinking of the good times 
that we are going to have with you as our teacher." 

"Thank you. Miss Agnes, but you should have said as our com- 
panion instead of as our teacher. I would rather be thought of as a 
jolly companion, one, to whom all may come with their troubles, their 
joys and their needs, and go away the better for our companionship. 
I want to be the means of imparting all the necessary knowledge 
as your companion, and not have any of the old traditions with us 
that the teacher is a sacred being who sits upon a raised platform — 
asks questions either from the book or out of it as the case may be 
which, in too many cases, the teacher can't answer without looking 
in the book, and if he could it wouldn't add a mite of information 
that would be of any use to us at any time. Too much of our present 
day textbook work is dead to the living by not being of any earthly 
use to them, since it is never used after leaving school." 

"Come to me at any time, thinking of me as your companion, and 
I will do all I can to lead you over the road which prepares you for 
your life's journey not by examinations nor by wasting your strength 
caused by aimless wanderings through unexplored fields, but by 
going over the work with you as your trusted guide." 



128 l<KKNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"I, for one, will surely come to you for help at all times when- 
ever T need it, and 1 am sure that all our young people will be very 
glad to have you as their companion." 

"Thank you, Miss Agnes, for your confidence in me. Here we 
are at your home." 

**Mr. Frank, I suppose that you have no objections to taking me 
home tonight ?" 

"None at all, Miss Wilson. It will give me much pleasure to see 
you safely home, but since it is quite late why not stay with us till 
morning? The drive will be more enjoyable in the early morning 
hours. 

"Miss Wilson, 1 agree with Frank. Unless there is something that 
calls you home tonight, we will expect you to remain with us." 

"There isn't anything that re(|uires me to go tonight. 1 enjoy 
being with you, but 1 don't want to trepass on your hospitality." 

"We would be i)lease(l to have you with us at any time, and we 
wish you to feel at home." 

"Please, Miss Wilson, stay with us. I wish that you could be with 
us all the time." 

"Very well, Miss Agnes, since you feel that way about it, 1 will 
stay, so Mr. Frank, you may put up your auto and thus get more 
sleep. As 1 feel now, I do not believe that 1 can get to sleep very 
soon." 

"1 trust that you haven't a guilty conscience. Miss Wilson?" 

"No, Mr. Young, nothing along that line. I am so elated over the 
evening's work that 1 feel sure that I will go over it all again, and 
no doubt do some j)lanning as I think of what is to come." 

"CV)me to think of it. Miss Agnes, I will want to stay with you 
a good part of the summer while I am overseeing the building of our 
teachers' cottage." 

"That will be fine. We will be glad to have you, won't we 
mother?" 

"We certainly will, daughter. Suppose you get a lunch ready, 
while I make preparations for an early breakfast." 

"Miss Wilson, won't you give us some music while we are waiting 
for the lunch?" 

"What shall it be, Mr. Young, instrumental or vocal?" 

"Give us some lively instrumental pieces. I feel so happy over 
the evening's work that nothing, but lively pieces would appeal to 
me at present." 

"Mr. l-'rank, what will you have?" 

"I am feeling very much elated over the prospect of getting our 
new schoolbuilding at once, also, of having you as our principal that 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 129 

something like father suggested will suit me. In fact, anything that 
you may wish to play will please me." 

"Very well, I will do my best to please you." 

"Come, Miss Wilson, lunch is ready. The music will keep, the 
lunch will not, so come at once, father and Frank." 

"Mrs. Young, were your expectations fully met tonight in regard 
to the new parsonage?" 

"The good people gave much more than I expected. With such 
a large sum, we can build a much better home and furnish it complete 
for use from attic to basement. I'he trouble, with most communities, 
is that they think that anything habitable is good enough for their 
pastor. I, for one, believe that the best is none too good for our 
pastor and his wife, and so I am going to see that the parsonage is 
modern in every respect and well built. The committee will take 
brother and sister Jones to Rochester, and have them select good, 
durable furniture and all modern conveniences for the kitchen." 

"1 am glad to hear of your plans, but if you find, after building 
the parsonage, that you see something that calls for more money 
than you can spare, call on me, and I will be very glad indeed to 
see that you get it." 

"Miss Wilson, you have done much more than your share already, 
and so I will try to keep within our fund." 

"I will certainly feel that you ought to allow me the privilege 
of doing all 1 can for such a good cause. I have the money lying 
idle so I trust that I may have the pleasure of doing all I can for 
brother and sister Jones. They seem more like a real blood brother 
and sister to me." 

"Very well, since you feel that way about it, we will let you know 
if we need any more." 

"I suppose that you will begin the building at once." 

"Yes, I notified the committee to meet Friday afternoon with me. 
I will have Mr. Fisher present, and will have him make blue prints 
of plans for our approval at a meeting the fore part of next week — 
then we will advertise for bids and let the contract at the earliest 
possible date." 

"You are not going to delay the beginning of the building, I see. 
I do hope that everything will move along as it should. I have 
known contractors who would make a fine start and then take most 
of the men, and put them on one or more other buildings thus 
causing several weeks to pass by the contract period for the com- 
pletion of the building." 

"We will not only employ Mr. Fisher to draw blue prints of our 
plans, but also, employ him to superintend the building of our par- 



'.V> 



|.|vKN\V< )( )|) COMMUNI r\' CI.N'ri'.K 



soiia^e. lit* is "mlercsU'd in om \vt»ik Ihmc I<> mhIi .in c.xiciil lli.il lie 
will not N*l ;m\ «lt'lay occur." 

"Mollu'i is on (he ri^hl hark, and I do nol licliovc lliat lie will 
niakt* any charges for llu* Mnc ininls, and will l>c (|uilc icasoiiahlc 
ill his chari^'es as snix-i inlcndcnl." 

"IVIi". ^'oMn^;, I'crnvvood is vcrv foiliinalc in lia\ln^ such f^ood 
friends as \\<'ll as its lo\al cilizens. I sec a ^;real fnlnrc for the 
i'lilirc foiiiiiiiiiiil \', and I am ^rowiiij;" nioie eiillinsiaslir in llie |>arl 
Ihal I am lo lake m lis ii|>li fl ." 

"Ml. I' rank. ;.t Iiool eloscs al Marl's (novo Friday of next wcclc 
and Ihen I will e\|>eel you lo make me ihe promised visit in my 
S|»i in^dield home. We will visil Ihe dilleienl ^.l lioolhuildiu^S, the 
Auililtii iuin, (he W'clfaic I Ionic, aiul am other huildinj^s fiom which 
we iiia\ i;el an\' ideas for our hnildinr/; as we must j;ct our school- 
hnildinj; niidei way so it may he (()m|>leie<l as -oon as possible, also, 
I waul l(» ha\(' Ihe plea aire ol eiilci laiiimi; \ou." 

"A iillle lalei, I w i,li lo ciiU'i lam Nom fallier, mollier and Miss 
Allies III m\ (»w II Ik iiiw." 

"NOii »('ilaiiil\ .ire iiol ;;oini; to lose .iii\ lime I don't see how 
I ean spare the lime al pre.enl as miu h as I see the need of he- 
j'/innin^ the pielimmaiN work .it oiu'e. and so will have to let you !i»'et 
all the ideas you lan. .ind lepoil to n . jnsi ;is soon as couveuieul to 
you." 

".*^ou, accept Miss Wilson's invitalioii I will see that everythin_cf 
moves aloii!; on time. I will ^et someone to take votu" pku'C, au«l 
I will do m\ hesi lo keep things ^'oiui^ just as it \(»n were here." 

" khauk you, father." 

"Mi'.s Wilson, stale the day that N'on would like to have me come." 

"W h\ not i^o hoiiK' with me .Satnrd;i\' moinini; after school closes? 
I « .111 ha\(' \om I ompaiiN home. .m«I '.iKtw \(>n some thiuj^'s wtuth 
seeing on our tiip." 

"I can ^(» Saturday morning as well as on Monday t»i TncsdaN. 
I would etijoy seeing all that we lan on the ii>ad as well .is lia\inLj 
the pleasuit' td \(>ni company. You seem to he rushing thiuj^s." 

"Well, I li.i\t' heen in the com|>.any of a certain Mr. and Mrs. 
N oMu;^ and famil\ lonj; enouj^h tt» !.;et some (d' their spirit of not 
delaying' a moment when s(Mnethiu^ ol import. mce is helore ihem." 

"( 'ome, youu^ people, yoiu* plans foi Ihe \isii !»t'in<; settled. let 
us lia\t* worship and retire as it is (|uite late." 

"I latuld t.ilk all nii;ht ahout our plans heinj^ so deliidited with the 
evening's icstilts. hut \om woik must jm) on as usual so I a^ree 
with \(>u." 



I'l'.I^NVVOOl) ('OMMIINIIV CI'.Nri-.K 



•.P 



*'| .un nol a\ .ill sicopy, so will l;il<o (his lomfoi l.iMc rocker — 
sit by the window and enjoy lo the I'nilcsl cxUmiI Ihc hc.iulies of a 
niidni^hl, faim scene in all ils (|nieliiess." 

" riu' Tnll moon is shininj; hi^h in the heavens in all ils splendoi 
its rays, as llic\' p.iss llnonj-h llic Ix'.Hilihd trees, scintillate like 
diamonds wIumi the wind moves the leaves ^enlly to and ho." 

"The hirds are asK^'p near 1>\' havitu' no Ihonj^hl of their morninjfs 
meal." 

"( )ld Dohin ii. do/inj; in his stall, peihaps dfeinniniv of paslnics 
j^reen, aiul the happy days of his eolthood." 

"No soniid (o distm'l) one's ihonjihts at this honr, so I will think 
ahoiil wh.il I will do for I'^eiiiuood .md Mr. (''rank's entertainment ." 

'Why shonid Mr. N'otm^ he nppermosi in mv ihonj^hls? it seems 
thai I am hei^innini; to care more for him ihan any \onnj; man of 
niN ;H(|nainlance, and why not:' My heail as well as \\\y judgment 
tells me thai he is a yonn^ man who is safe to trnsl. Most every 
out' of my j^xMillemen friends in the eity have some had hahils. hni 
So far as I can see, Mr. Voun^' hasn'l one —does nol smoke, chew, 
diink nor sw.ear, and is the soni of honor." 

"It seems that everv one, yotni^ and old, in lu'rnwood look np 
to him. and Irnst him in all that he does, and why shoiddn't llie\'i' 
lie is pnre |M)1<I. and so, if nn heail doesn't deceive nie, I vvoidd 
feel hij^hly honored lo he Mrs. i''rank N'onn^." 

"Von, knih Wilson, a wealthy, eity yonnj; lady, highly edncaled 
as the worM looks npon edncation, inai'ry a conntry hoy, with a 
meaj^er edneation and live in the country?" 

"Yes, I wonid iKtl onlv live in the eonnlry, Iml anywhere wilh 
the man I loved." ' 

"hoii'l \(>n know, k'nlli Wilson, lli.il the connlrv hai.n'l many 
invitin!; homes, and that there are nol many soeial advanlaj^'es to 
he fonnd Iheic, mIso, that you camiot attend as manv enlerlainmenis 
as yon eotdd if yon were living" in I he city?" 

*'^'es, I know that there are nol as many inviting' homes as Ihei-e 
miidil he and will he when the paienis in the conntry wake tip to 
the f.icl Ihat they ean have hellei' homes, live purer and heller lives 
than in llie cilies. As it is now, I helieve ih.il there ;ire more heller 
homes in (he country (han in (he ci(ies." 

"Mos( of (he j)aien(s in (he cilies have lo devole their entire lime 
in making- a livinj^, ;md while (hey have the chants lo ;illen<l enler- 
lainmenis, Ihey (-annol do so very often. If at all. hecanse llie\ can't 
Spare the money." 

"Ruth Wilson, y<>n mav follow yonr heart's desire with safety 
with such ;i man ;is I'V.nik N'onni;, ;md hnild yon a home in ihc 



132 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

country the equal of your city home, if you wish. You may have 
prettier and better surroundings in the country where there is plenty 
of room while in the city you will have to be content with a small 
lot, and in most cases, surrounded with dirty streets and smoke 
begrimed buildings." 

"In the country, you may have a large lawn covered with beautiful, 
green grass with plenty of room for flowers, shrubbery and trees, 
also, the beautiful orchards that are laden with life given fruits, 
and where the pretty, singing birds delight to dwell." 

"Here I am talking to myself about things that may never happen, 
but there is one thing that I am absolutely sure of, and that is that 
I love Frank Young with all my being, and my prayer shall be at 
all times that he may love me. I want to be the happy wife of 
such a true, pure man, one whom I can trust to the ends of the earth, 
if need be, and feel sure that he will return just the same pure, true 
man as when he left me." 

*T shall not do anything that is not maidenly or according to the 
orthodox custom, but I can show him in more ways than one how 
much I love him." 

"He may not feel like proposing because of my wealth. Such 
men, as he, will never marry without they feel absolutely sure that 
their love is returned." 

'T believe that I can show him, if the time ever comes, and I 
believe that it will, that he has my love, a love that is to be returned 
by him and him only, and that is as strong as my being can give 
any true, pure man." 

"Come, you happy bird, are you singing with me in my happiness 
or is it your morning carol to your Creator for His goodness to 
you?" 

"Just think, I have been communing with Nature, and making 
comparisons between the country and city and thinking about the 
best man that I know till the first gray streaks of dawn begin to 
show and have not slept at all — well, how could I help it at such a 
time?" 

"I am very sure it is time well spent when I can come to feel that 
I love a pure, true. Christian gentleman." 

"Oh, how beautiful is the coming day with the rays of light 
emanating from the sun, extending into the heavens like an opened 
fan." 

"I don't know of anything more beautiful than the rising sun as 
seen through the beautiful trees in the open country." 

"Miss Wilson, are you awake?" 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 133 

"Yes, I am very miich awake as I have not been asleep so come 
in, and let us enjoy the beauty of the rising sun together." 

''Breakfast is about ready, so I came to awaken you and have 
you ready for it, but here you are as I saw you before retiring, 
and pray what has kept you awake? Beg pardon, curiosity got the 
better of me." 

'T should not have asked you. If you wanted to tell me, you 
would do so without my asking you, and as mother says, that is not 
proper." 

"You have a good mother, and you will never go wrong if you 
follow her admonitions." 

"I was thinking about country life with all its blessings, and some 
things that may be bettered, also, making comparisons between 
living in the country and the city, and some other things that you 
will know of later, I trust." 

"Thank you. I hope that you preferred the country in your com- 
parisons, but we had better go down as breakfast is ready by this 
time." 

"Yes, Miss Agnes, I prefer the country, and I hope to spend most 
of my life here in Femwood." 

"Oh mother, what do you think that Miss Wilson has just said 
now?" 

"Daughter, don't get so excited. You are forgetting yourself." 

"Good morning, Miss Wilson. I trust that you had a good night's 
rest." 

"Good morning, Mrs. Young. Yes, I had a good rest while 
communing with myself, and enjoying to the fullest extent the 
beautiful country scene from my window as I sat in the comfortable 
rocking chair. I couldn't sleep after such an evening's work. 
Among other things, I fell to comparing country life with that of 
the city and that I preferred the country. I told Miss Agnes that I 
hoped to spend the most of my life here in Fernwood." 

"Thank God for that decision. You are needed here and you 
will be appreciated by young and old, especially we mothers who 
have children." 

"Mr. Frank, we must be going as soon as you are ready." 
"I will be around with the auto in a few minutes and will get 
you to Mrs. Hart's before eight o'clock." 

"I trust that you will call again soon." 

"I will return just as soon as the blue prints are ready for my 
cottage and be ready to remain after the contract is let." 



134 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Ready, Miss Wilson?" 

"Yes, I am ready so we will be going." 

"Good-by, good friends for a short time." 

"Good-by, Miss Wilson." 

"This is a beautiful morning for a drive with all Nature in tune 
with its Maker." 

"Mr. Young, did you ever wish to live in the city and give up all 
the good things that can only be found in the open country?" 

"Yes, I gave it some thought, and decided a short time ago to 
leave the old farm and go to the city where I might have social 
companionship as that was being denied us here to a large extent, 
but since all is being changed as rapidly as possible, I have given 
up the idea of living in the city. To live in the open country with 
the advantages of social life and all that such a life calls for is good 
enough for me." 

"I am very glad to know of your decision. I think, with you, 
that the country is good enough for me, and I hope that it may be 
my privilege to live among the good people of Fernwood for a good 
while." 

"I am very much pleased to know that you are expecting to remain 
with us for a long time. I might have said for years. Our young 
people need you, and I know that it would give them much pleasure 
to know that you expect to remain for quite a while as our principal 
of schools." 

"Here we are. Won't you come in, Mr. Young?" 

"No thanks. I must return and get all done that I can before 
going with you to your city home. What time do we leave?" 

"The train leaves Rochester at lo 130 A. M., so we will need to 
leave here by 9 130 at least. I will look for you by that time." 

"All right. I will be on time. Good-by." 

"Good-by, Mr. Young." 

XVII. 
LAST DAYS AT HART'S GROVE 

Let us love so well 

Our work shall be sweeter for our love, 
And still our love be sweeter for our work. 
ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. 

"My beloved pupils. Parents and friends: We have come to the 
close of another school year. I trust that our work has been pro- 
fitable to all not only from the cultural and practical side, but also, 
from the social and spiritual side of life." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 135 

''Lillian Whiting says, The fine art of living is to draw from 
each person his best.' This we have attempted to do for each one 
of our pupils, and time alone will tell how well we have succeeded/' 

"I believe with Ruskin, That the entire object of true education 
is to make people not only do the right things, but enjoy the right 
things.' " 

"I believe that the right things are the things that are useful in 
giving our boys and girls a chance to help themselves to lead suc- 
cessful lives in the world in which they are living — to be producers 
and not consumers only as well as to master those things that will 
compel us to feel not only for our pleasure in the 'fine art of living', 
but in aiding us to help in the uplift of not only our own community, 
but in helping our neighboring communities for 'Great art is born 
of feeling. In order to do you must feel.' " 

"George EHot says, 'What do we live for if not to make the world 
less difficult for each other.' " 

"Some one said in answer to the question, 'What is the difference 
between an educated and an uneducated man?' 'An educated man 
is one who never does any work.' " 

"There are too many yet in this land of ours who are inclined to 
believe the above answer, but we are slowly coming to realize with 
William Morris that, 'We no longer beUeve in a class that is called, 
or set apart. Every man has a divine call to make himself useful to 
his fellows, and, the hallucination that some are called to do nothing, 
but to give advice, will soon fade away. Industrial education is 
both moral and spiritual. The man who fails to use his body every 
day in a certain amount of manual labor is a menace to the state, 
and a danger to his inmost self. Safety lies in a just balance be- 
tween head and hand.' " 

"I would Hke to emphasize the statement of Mr. Morris where 
he says that 'Industrial education is both moral and spiritual.' " 

"Since we have body growth, mind growth and soul growth, our 
motto is to educate the head, the hand and the heart." 

"Growth comes through exercise — work." 

"Henry Drummond says, 'Work is given to man — not only because 
the world needs it but because the workman needs it — work makes 
man.' " 

"We have tried to impress upon the minds of our young people 
the thought of service as the world needs an undivided service in 
carrying its burdens as never before." 

"In becoming burden-bearers, we must of necessity feel for our 
fellow men for 'In ethics we cannot better the Golden Rule.' " 

"Industrial education calls for service, since it is through the 



136 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

training of the hand along with the mind that one may be of value 
not only to himself, but also, in aiding his fellow men along the 
same line and in addition to that in living better, longer and happier 
lives." 

"To be able to earn a living is vastly more necessary than to be 
able to tell where Borneo is or give the date of the battle of Waterloo 
— these are facts which we can do without, and still not be the loser 
to any appreciable extent." 

"Too many of our schools still believe in separating culture and 
work." 

"They think that there should be one set of men to do the manual 
labor of our land while there should be another set of men who are 
to do the thinking, thus creating a feeling among the young people 
that those who have the so called culture are better than those who 
toil for a living." 

"Too often, young men with degrees from the small colleges 
as well as from the large colleges and universities feel above those 
who labor with their hands, and proceed upon the belief that the 
world owes them a living without any manual labor upon their part." 

"I would not detract, by word or deed, from the good work most 
of these schools do along many lines, but it is the above thought 
that too many of their graduates hold that I wish to condemn as 
strongly as I can." 

"Men cannot live on degrees and by holding them is no proof that 
they are superior beings — in fact, many of them are very mediocre." 

"Someone has said that, 'There is as much culture in the study 
of a beet root as there is in the study of a Greek root.' " 

"I wish to add that the beet root is good to eat while there is 
no more nourishment in the Greek root than there is in moonshine." 

"By referring to Webster, we will find culture to mean — 'i. A 
cultivating (the earth). 2. A training man's moral nature. 3. 
Enlightenment ; refinement.' " 

"If we follow the above definition of culture, we will find, that 
the culture received from most of our schools is one-sided for the 
reason that the mind only is cultivated — trained mostly in those 
things which do not tend to right living at all times." 

"I spent four years in one of our best colleges in the land, and I 
feel that I lost most of my time because the college separated culture 
from work." 

"If we had but studied modern subjects and things pertaining to 
present day activities, there would not have been so much time 
wasted, but most of our curriculum called for subjects from the 
long, dim past that for the most part had no bearing upon right 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 137 

living in the present or of subjects or much of some subjects that 
we will never use in our daily life's work." 

"Any system of education that does not tend toward training 
the hand, the head and the heart at the same time, I feel that it is 
making a sad mistake." 

''We have done our best to develop the hand, the head and the 
heart in each one of our pupils in order that each one may become 
not only a self-supporting citizen, but lead useful lives of cheerful 
service in community betterment." 

'T trust that you, my dear pupils, may ever live up to your ideals 
of what constitutes a true. Christian character — keeping in mind 
that true education is for service." 

"Friends, no doubt, each one of you have heard, by this time, 
that I am to leave you for another field of labor." 

"The two years that I have been with you have seemed very short 
ones, because you have made my work very pleasant by your willing- 
ness to do your duty at all times without my urging you." 

"I shall not feel like that I am leaving you for good, because I 
am going to Fernwood, your near neighbor." 

"You may think that my work here would be more pleasant as 
we have a new building with all modern equipment for work in home 
economics, manual training, agriculture with demonstration grounds 
for experimental work as well as for gardening, floriculture, also, 
grounds for an athletic field." 

"Our work here has created a desire on the part of the friends 
in Fernwood to place their community in line with us in community 
building." 

"At the earnest solicitations of a few of the friends in Fernwood, 
I have consented to become their principal, so as to give them my aid 
in building up their school along the same lines as we have them 
here." 

"I am given the utmost freedom to work out some new lines of 
endeavor, and so our buildings will be erected with that end in view." 

"You can spare me now as we have the work so planned, as you 
wished it, that the new principal can take it up without any break 
and go right on doing better work the coming year." 

"I trust that we may see each one of you quite often at some of 
our programs, also, that we may have an inter-school league for all 
athletic, literary and music contests." 

"I will not say good-by, in closing, but good evening as I will see 
you all again soon." 

"My parting word to you, my dear pupils, is to 'Find your joy 
in what you do, not in what you intend to do.' " 



138 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Dear teacher: We, your pupils, desire to express to you our 
appreciation of your loving kindness toward us at all times during 
the two short years that we have been under your care. We assure 
you that, though we may have seemed unconcerned at times, we 
have ever been sensible of your Christ-like, unselfish efforts in our 
behalf. We never could be wayward under your guidance." 

"No one can feel more keenly the loss we will sustain, when you 
leave us. While you may be absent from us in body, you will be 
with us in spirit, ever directing our steps to the end that we will 
become better and better in our efforts to attain the high ideals you 
have ever held before us for our guidance." 

"We promise you that the future shall make amends for past fail- 
ures, and to make such use of your suggestions that they will term- 
inate for good, not only to us but to the community in which we may 
live." 

"For we believe with Ruskin, 'That knowledge unused is more 
vain than unused gold.' " 

"Miss Wilson, in behalf of my schoolmates, I present to you this 
beautiful gold watch, and whenever you use it, may you think of 
your absent pupils for we will always feel that we are still your 
pupils." 

"My dear pupils : I am deeply touched by this manifestation of 
your regard for me. I will lay aside my old watch and wear this 
beautiful gift, and I assure you that I will always think of you 
when using it as well as at other times." 

"Miss Walker says with Ruskin, 'That knowledge unused is more 
vain than unused gold.' " 

"I trust that each one of you will never forget the knowledge you 
have received toward right living, and that you will walk in the 
steps of your Savior at all times will be my daily prayer for you." 

"I am not going to lose interest in, your welfare because I am not 
with you in body." 

"Again, I wish to say that I am deeply touched because I know 
that this beautiful gift is from the heart, thus thrice welcome." 

"Gk)d bless you and may He ever keep you in His fold." 

"Miss Wilson, the parents and friends of Hart's Grove are sad- 
dened by the thought that you will not be with us as our principal 
of schools." 

"Your modest, gentle, Christ-like personality has won not only 
the hearts of our boys and girls, but also, those of the parents as 
well." 

"You have ever held up Christian ideals in all your work with us. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 139 

and by practicing those ideals, as though they were a pleasure, you 
have done more for our young people in winning them to Christ 
than I have." 

*'You do not teach creeds, but you take every opportunity to 
contrast right ideals as opposed to wrong in men and women." 

'You, also, plan your work and play so as to bring before the 
young people the necessity of being absolutely correct and just in 
all their dealings with their fellows and with the social structure 
of which they are a part." 

"You have seen to it that all your work leads to useful things 
and I find that our young people take pleasure in their work now 
whereas in the past it seemed a task too heavy to be borne at times." 

"With no required home study, our young people find ample time 
for social duties, and you have so planned the social activities of 
our community that they have been a power for good in developing 
Christian character." 

"You have made all the school subjects less difficult by going 
over them with the boys and girls observing their needs — leading and 
directing where necessary so as to save much time that is ordinarily 
wasted under the old system of assigning lessons." 

"By not requiring home study and having no examinations for 
promotions, you have avoided the many causes leading to nervous 
prostration." 

"While I am a graduate of two universities and hold degrees 
from them, I have felt for quite a while that there is much that is 
wrong under our present school system, and that it needs to be 
radically changed. Instead of cultivating the mind with but little 
hand training if any and practically no moral or spiritual training, 
we ought to have the hand, the head and the heart equally cultivated 
— trained, and thus, become a refined, enlightened, Christian man 
or woman of culture in its broadest sense, and ready to give to the 
cummunity an undivided service as burden-bearers for the better- 
ment of its members." 

"The world needs men and women who can do things as never 
before so as to successfully combat the evils of our age and genera- 
tion." 

"It is quite easy to find plenty of teachers for the present day 
school system, but there are very few who can work equally well 
with hand, head and heart." 

"Miss Wilson, you have done so much for our boys and girls, and 
I may say with the parents as well along these lines, that we are 
loath to give you up, but we are not so selfish as to wish you to 



140 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

remain with us when you feel that you can do more good at Fern- 
wood." 

''We as parents and friends cannot let you go without some token 
of the loving regards which we hold for you, so we trust that you 
will accept this beautiful piano as our gift to you, and when you are 
sitting before it, in the quiet gloaming, bringing beautiful melodies 
from it, may you think of your loyal friends." 

"May the blessings of our Heavenly Father ever be with you and 
keep you safe in His fold at all times is our prayer." 

"Brother Shipp and kind friends : I feel that no words of mine can 
express my feelings at this token of your loving esteem for me." 

"I would be ungrateful indeed if I did not receive and appreciate 
this beautiful gift at its full worth, since it comes from the loyal 
friends whom I have learned to love as I would an earthly father 
and mother." 

"I will put it into our new teachers' cottage at Fernwood when 
built, and I assure you that you will never be forgotten." 

"I am not going to say good-bye with the thought that I am leaving 
you never to return as is too often done, being glad to get away, but 
simply say good-bye for a few days only. I will return to Fernwood 
in a few days to take up my work with the good people there, and 
I assure you that I will visit you as often as my duties will permit." 

"May God bless you all, my dear friends." 



XVHI. 

LAWNDALE 

But who can paint 
Like Nature. Can imagination boast 
Amid its gay creations hues like hers. 

THOMPSON. 

*'Good morning, kind friends." 

"Mr. Young, I see that you are becoming quite proficient as a 
chauffeur." 

"I am glad that you are going to Rochester with Mr. Frank and 
me to see us off." 

"Yes, Miss Wilson, Frank has taught me how to run his car, so 
that mother, Agnes, and I may have the benefit of it in taking long 
rides seeing Nature at her best, for June is the month when old 
Mother Earth is on 'dress parade.' " 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 141 

"Why father, I did not know that you noticed the beautiful flowers, 
and the foUage of the trees in all their varied hues?" 

"That was true, daughter, to a limited extent. I saw them, but 
passed them by as if I saw them not, because all my thoughts seemed 
to be on the sordid side of life, thinging only of the dollars that I 
might make." 

" 'To me the meanest flower that blows can give 
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears,' 

and now I am seeing 'Books in running brooks, sermons in stones,' 
and good in everything." 

"Mother, just listen to father quoting poetry. I did not know that 
he knew anything about it, but I am very glad that he does." 

"Yes, daughter, I am a great lover of the beautiful in Nature as 
well as of poetry, but I long ago allowed the almighty dollar to get 
the better of me and so devoted my time and energy to getting them, 
forgetting that, 'The beautiful is as useful as the useful.' " 

"See that pretty bluebird, Miss Agnes. Thoreau says, that 'He 
carries the sky on his back.' " 

"What a beautiful thought. Miss Wilson. I do not see why boys 
and good men, in most respects, want to kill the pretty birds when 
they are so useful in keeping in check the ravages of insect life." 

"Mrs. Young, it seems to me that the law of self-preservation 
would be of sufficient importance to protect the birds, and then there 
would be no need of passing laws for their safety — especially do I 
think that the farmers should unite in their behalf since they have 
many kinds of insect life to fight in the growing of crops." 

"You are right, and I trust that you will so instruct the people of 
our community, both young and old, that the birds will find every one 
their friends." 

"We will do our best, but I do not see why the men and boys kill 
the birds when so many of them are not used as food." 

"Many men think it great sport to hunt and kill any kind of bird 
life that may come in their way. I think that it is a shame. How 
would they like to have some one kill them just because they could. 
The men often kill some of our prettiest birds for their feathers, so 
as to satisfy the vain desires of many of our sex." 

"Mrs. Young, I am ashamed of many of our sex. We are often 
called the weaker vessel, but we seem to be strong enough to in- 
fluence the men to do many things for us that are radically wrong — 
that are against our own best interests." 

"We can, if we wish, so guide and direct the young that they will 



142 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

never wish to take up anything that will weaken them physically, 
mentally, morally and spiritually, also, in most cases, influence the 
men to drop their evil habits." 

'T have heard it said, that if all the birds were killed on June first 
that there would not be a sprig of green vegetation on earth in ninety 
days." 

"Miss Wilson, if that were true, I think that every person on earth 
ought to unite to protect the birds." 

"Miss Agnes, let me tell you a story, and you may tell me the 
moral." 

"Once upon a time, a little bug and his mother visited a museum of 
antiquities. The little bug noticed a skeleton in a case, and asked his 
mother what it was. She told her little son that it was the skeleton 
of a man." 

" 'Man, I never heard of man before, and pray who was man?' " 

" *Oh, he was a very selfish being who lived on earth ages ago.' " 

'* 'Well, what became of him?' " 

" *He killed all the birds who were our mortal enemies. Their 
destruction allowed us to multiply so rapidly that we ate up the 
green vegetation to such an extent that there was not left sufficient 
food for his sustenance so he had to die.' " 

" 'Weren't they a very, very thoughtless people to kill their best 
friends?' " 

" 'I think so, son.' " 

"I know the moral. Miss Wilson. The story means that we should 
not kill the birds." 

"You are right, Miss Agnes." 

"Here we are in sight of Rochester." 

"Son, stay with Miss Wilson as long as you like. John and I will 
see that the work is kept going, so that nothing will suffer in your 
absence. Get all the information that you can that will aid you in 
your plans for Fernwood." 

"Thank you, father. I will do my best for dear, old Fernwood, 
but we must be back as soon as possible, so as to get our new school- 
building started." 

"That is all right, son, but remember that you are Miss Wilson's 
guest." 

"Mr. Frank is right, Mr. Young. We must get back just as soon 
as we can. Mr. Frank can make me a real visit at some other time." 

"Very well, Miss Wilson. We will bid you both good-by now as 
we have some trading to do, and must get back home by noon." 

"Mr. Young, let us get tickets for the observation car as we will 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 143 

pass through some very beautiful country, and I wish to call your 
attention to the scenery, and some other features that I know will 
interest you." 

"All right, I will get them, not only because you wish them, but 
I would also prefer the observation car as I have never been over the 
road from Rochester to Springfield." 

''Of course, you know that we cross Blue River on leaving 
Rochester, but do you know that the road is in sight of the river most 
of the way to Springfield." 

''No, but I am glad to know that it is for I enjoy river scenery 
very much indeed." 

"Looking down the river, you will notice that Rochester is situated 
upon a gentle rise from its banks, thus showing the city as if it were 
terraced, while upon our left, as the road turns down the river side, 
we see the low, undulating hills with the beautiful homes nestling 
among the old forest trees. No wonder the city is called Oakwood." 

"Life is worth while in such a city. If all the boys and girls in 
the land had such homes, there would be but few, if any, who would 
be led astray." 

"That is all very true, Mr. Young." 

"May I have the pleasure of presenting you these roses, also, this 
fruit?" 

"Thank you. Roses are my favorite flowers, and I am very fond 
of fresh, ripe fruit. Of course, you are going to help me eat the 
fruit and you may enjoy the roses with me." 

"Now, while we are eating our fruit, let us notice some of the 
points of interest." 

"After we pass the bend of the river just ahead of us, you will 
notice that the track is so close to the river that a retaining wall was 
built, so as to give room for a double track, and in places, the rocks 
over hang the tracks. Before we leave this narrow roadway, the 
train will pass through a tunnel, so as to get below a very sharp 
bend of the river to the left." 

"My, isn't this a sublime view? It looks like the train is sus- 
pended above the river, while the grandeur of the gorge is worth 
going miles to see. The immense rocks, scattered here and there in 
the river's bed, seem to say to the waters, thus far and no farther, 
but the waters slip and slide around them as much as to say, catch 
me if you can, as they rush onward to the sea." 

"It certainly is grand. I am always compelled to think of the 
power of God who created the heavens and the earth when passing 
this point." 

"As we emerge from the tunnel, we may see the old, stone fort 



144 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

upon the hill across the river that was used by the early settlers as 
a protection against the Indians." 

"After we pass the next station, we may see the remains of the 
earthworks that were used by our troops against the British." 

"Miss Wilson, it seems to me that old Blue River has more than 
her share of beauty spots and points of interest. I am very glad that 
it runs through Fernwood." 

"Father is expecting to make a park out of our fern grove, thus 
giving the people of Fernwood as fine a park as one would wish." 

"It will be one of the beauty spots sure enough, as you call them, 
before your father gets through with it, and if I mistake not, I think 
that you will have a hand in making the changes." 

"You have a father who is one among a thousand. He seems to 
be a natural born leader, and I think that it was owing to his in- 
itiative, energy, and enthusiasm that much of our success was due in 
our last meeting the other night." 

"Thank you for your kind words. Father was a leader among 
the young people when a young man, but after marrying, he, like 
most all farmers, settled down to making money, losing sight of the 
'fine art of living,' thinking that was the only thing in life worth 
striving for all too often neglecting their Christian duties." 

"He now sees that there is something more worth striving for, and 
so, he has become himself again. He is unhappy unless he is doing 
something for the community." 

"What a beautiful little city. One seldom sees such pretty station 
grounds. It must be a very progressive city? What is its name?" 

"This is Lawndale, and we are only ten miles from Springfield." 

"Yes, the citizens and the people of the surrounding country are 
very progressive, therefore, are quite prosperous. They believe in 
'Country and City Beautiful' — have modern homes with well-kept 
lawns — fine farm buildings — fine stock — the best and latest improved 
implements for all purposes, and which are kept from exposure to 
the weather when not in use." 

"The city has its Welfare Home and social center for the people, 
both young and old. The people, of both city and country, find that 
all these things not only make for a happy and contented citizenship 
who are satisfied to remain upon the farms, but that it pays hand- 
somely in a financial way." 

"Don't they have any one in the city or country who still clings to 
the idea that time and money invested in all these things is time and 
money wasted?" 

"No. There were a few who were inclined to make disparaging 
remarks at first about wasting time and money on newfangled ways, 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 145 

as they called them, and that they spent too much time in recreation, 
but on seeing that all were making more money while taking time for 
some of the social pleasures as well, also, that the boys were satisfied 
to remain upon the farms while their boys were leaving for the city, 
because of home conditions, they fell in line, thus the entire com- 
munity is prospering." 

"The citizens of Lawndale, also, found that what they did for the 
country aided them in more ways than one, and so they are working 
together as a unit, and both are prospering beyond their highest 
expectations." 

''Lawndale is quite different from most cities. Please tell me 
something of its beginning." 

"The founders were liberal, Christian gentlemen who wished to 
found a 'City Beautiful.' " 

"They donated a block in the center of the city for the Welfare 
Home, also, entire blocks for the different church sites and ten acres 
of ground for the school plant. In addition to all this, they donated 
several park sites." 

"They employed a civil engineer to lay out the city and establish 
grade lines for all the streets, boulevards, avenues and alleys; an 
architect to design and supervise the construction of all public 
building, business houses and residences as per the plans of the city 
officials and the owners of the lots, and a landscape gardner to plan 
and lay out the parks — select and supervise the planting of trees, 
shrubbery and flowers for the parks, boulevards, avenues and lots." 

"Each street, boulevard and avenue was planted with trees of the 
same variety and in alignment." 

"With narrow paved streets and wider front yards, the dust nui- 
sance was reduced to a minimum." 

"Having no front yard fences, the streets became neighborly parks 
of definite beauty. This park effect was enhanced by the landscape 
gardener adopting a uniform planting list for all the front yards 
along the streets, boulevards and avenues. On every porch and 
pergola on each street, boulevard and avenue, was planted the same 
variety of climbing roses or vines — no two streets, boulevards and 
avenues having the same variety." 

"Appropriate shrubbery and flowers were massed along the house 
foundations and in front of the porches." 

"The selection of shrubbery and flowers was made so that each 
variety would follow in order of blooming from early spring till late 
in the fall, thus giving a picture long to be remembered." 

"The object of all this was to make one harmonious whole without 
any sameness — in other words, to make a 'City Beautiful/ " 



146 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

''Miss Wilson, did the founders add the cost of the architect's and 
landscape gardener's fees to the cost of each lot?" 

"You know that many a good citizen would feel obliged to go 
elsewhere if such were the case." 

"No they did not. The founders wanted to make it a city of homes 
for all good citizens, especially for working men and for clerical 
help." 

"They did not require any minimum priced building to be erected 
upon each lot, but left it to the owner of the lot to state what priced 
house he expected to build, then they caused blue prints for the 
buildings and the designs for the location of all the buildings, trees, 
shrubbery and flowers, to be made and were furnished free with 
each lot." 

"After the city was chartered, the first city council passed an 
ordinance making these men regular city officials with a stated salary, 
thus continuing to furnish all blue prints free with each lot." 

"Shortly after the city charter was obtained, a Civic Improvement 
League was organized at the suggestion of the city council to work 
with them in making a city in which the people would delight to 
dwell." 

"The streets, boulevards, avenues and alleys are paved with 
asphalt, and are kept scrupulously clean as no sweepings from the 
business houses nor refuse of any kind from the residences are 
allowed to litter them." 

"Each house has a covered garbage can and all garbage is removed 
each night by a company who do not charge the city for such work, 
but make a good income from it." 

"Monthly prizes are offered by the League for the cleanest busi- 
ness house including the walk and street in front and the lot and 
alley in the rear." 

"Prizes are offered for the prettiest and best kept street, boulevard 
or avenue." 

"Prizes are offered the boys for the best kept lawn including the 
shrubbery and flowers, and for the best vegetable and small fruit 
garden in the city, also, for the best lawn and garden on each street." 

"Prizes are offered for the best dress at the lowest cost — the 
prettiest and best trimmed hat at a minimum cost — the best loaf of 
bread — the best plate of biscuit — the best pies and cakes of different 
kinds made by young ladies under eighteen years of age, also, for 
the best jars of fruit and vegetables of different kinds." 

"In fact, prizes are offered for all the different phases of home 
life to all, both young and old." 

"The different committees, having charge of passing upon the 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 147 

merits of each article as well as upon the business houses, residences, 
lawns, gardens, streets, boulevards and avenues, make their awards 
just before Home-Coming Week, which is held during Harvest 
Home period." 

"All movable articles are placed on exhibition in the auditorium 
for inspection." 

''Addresses, by prominent men and women, are given both after- 
noon and evening each day of the week." 

''A musical program is given in connection with the addresses." 

"The city Welfare Home is arranged so as to take care of all the 

different lines of endeavor that may come up in looking after the 

people in all that pertains to their spiritual, educational, social and 

economic welfare." 

"Since the Home and lines of work in Lawndale are somewhat 
similar to that in Springfield, we will get to see the plans of our 
Home and learn of the work being done in our visits." 
"Each church has its Home for all social service work." 
"This social service work covers two distinct lines of endeavor, 
namely ; building up a Christian character, not only for the residents, 
but for strangers who may come among them, and in helpfulness 
of a practical nature." 

"It must take a good deal of time and money to run the churches, 
the church Home and the city Welfare Home with the vast amount 
of work incurred in meeting all the activities?" 

"It certainly does, Mr. Young, but each church has enough and to 
spare." 

"That is something unusual. I would like to know how the funds 
are raised. There must be many rich donors?" 

"There are not many rich members but they pay in the same ratio 
as the other members, that is, all the members tithe themselves, there- 
fore, they have more than enough to meet all the expenses." 

"I like that plan. I am glad that I have decided to give one-tenth 
of my income to the Lord's work." 

"Mr. Young, I have felt for a good while that the property left 
me by my father is the Lord's and that I am His steward — that it is 
not only a privilege, but it is my duty to give not less than one-tenth 
to His work." 

"I do not know the amount of your income, but from the liberal 
amounts you gave to our work at Fernwood, and the other amounts 
that you give to your work at home and elsewhere, you must give 
more than one-tenth of your income." 

"I do not stop to think of the amounts that I am giving except to 
know that I am giving not less than one-tenth of my income. I find 



148 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

that when the amount exceeds the one-tenth that I am prospered 
still more, so from a selfish point of view it pays me handsomely." 

"It is a shame that there are so few cities and towns that are 
working together with the farmers when such examples go to show 
that it is to their best interest to do so." 

"That is to be regretted, Mr. Young, but we must see to it that 
Rochester affiliates with us in our movement." 

"I believe that Mr. Fisher and Mr. Graham are very much inter- 
ested already, and may be counted upon in influencing the citizens 
to join with us." 

"I am glad to hear you say so, but here we are and it will not be 
long before I can welcome you to my home." 

"I will have my chauffeur take us home by some points of interest, 
and where I may have the pleasure of taking you in the next few 
days." 

"Thank you. I will be pleased to go with you. I see that Spring- 
field's depot is not located in some unsightly place. The grounds 
are ample for landscape garden eflfects with the beautiful building 
and train sheds in the background." 

"We are proud of our beautiful depot and grounds. We wish 
that the first impressions of our city to be good ones." 

"To our right is the city library and fine arts building." 

"The one we are now passing is the city hall, and the one in that 
beautiful, little park is the post office. 

"To our left, on the next street, is our courthouse." 

"Your city has many fine buildings as I noticed that the business 
houses are quite attractive with their fine fronts." 

"We think so. We are now in the residential section which, we 
think, is much prettier." 

"The church to our left, with its Welfare Home, is the one that 
I attend, and I wish to have you spend much of your time with me in 
our Home as I do all I can to aid in the good work when I am at 
home." 

"I will be pleased to go with you as I wish to look into all the 
details pertaining to the workings of your church, Sunday School 
and church home." 

"Here we are, Mr. Young. Welcome to my home. I will show 
you to your room where you may take a little rest before lunch 
which will be served at twelve thirty. I trust that you will make 
yourself at home." 

"Thank you, I will do so. I know that I will enjoy my visit 
with you." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 149 

XIX. 

MERTON HENRY 

Be strong! 

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; 
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift; 
Shun not the struggle — face it! 'tis God's gift. 

Be strong! 

Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?" 
And fold the hands and acquiesce — oh shame! 
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name. 

Be strong! 

It matters not how deep intrenched ihe wrong, 
How hard the battle goes, the day how long; 
Faint now — fight on! To-morrow comes the song. 
MALTBY DAVENPORT BABCOCK. 

"Good evening, Ruth." 

''Good evening, Merton. Come in." 

*'I am very glad to see you at home again. I trust that you have 
had enough of the country, and that you have the uncouth and un- 
cultured youth so trained that they know how to take care of their 
hands and feet, at least, when in their so called society without 
reflecting upon your efforts to make them shining lights, so that you 
may be content to remain in the city?" 

"No, Merton. I am perfectly contented when in the country, and 
expect to return in a few days." 

"As to the youth of the country being uncouth and uncultured, I 
find that they will compare very favorably with the city young people 
as to their knowledge of the usages of good society, and as to char- 
acter, they stand upon a much higher plane than do their city cousins 
as a rule." 

"There is but little sham among them." 

"Don't rub it in too hard just because we live in the city. I know 
that we have a good deal of sham and hypocrisy in our society." 

"By the way, who was the good looking young man with you last 
night? He does not belong in Springfield — at least, I have not 
met him." 

"He is one of your uncouth young men from the country, Mr. 
Frank Young." 

"You don't mean to say that he lives in the country? Why, he 
was as self-possessed — used as good or better English as any one 



150 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

of our society young men — was as well-dressed, and appeared to a 
much better advantage than most of us." 

"Yes, Merton, he is from Fernwood community, near Hart's 
Grove where I have been for the past two years, and is the idol of 
all Fernwood." 

"All you say of him is true, and I may add what is much more 
to his credit, he is a Christian, young man with a charming person- 
ality, and who is very much in love with his father, mother and 
sister — in fact, is a genuine home boy." 

"From what you say of him, all the young ladies of this com- 
munity must be after him or, as they would say here, 'are setting 
their caps for him.' I don't see how he has escaped their wiles 
thus far." 

"While he has a beautiful home; is well to do; has a fine auto- 
mobile, and has a good, practical education, he does not feel above 
anyone, so he is the idol^ of the men and boys of his neighborhood 
as well as of all who know him and being so, he has great influence 
among them." 

"The young ladies, of both Fernwood and Hart's Grove, are 
modest in their demeanor toward the young gentlemen, and so the 
expression 'setting their caps' does not apply to them." 

"You must have ideal young ladies in those communities. They 
seem quite different from our set." 

"They are in many things." 

"Please name some of them as your statement has caused me to 
become interested in what seems to me an anomaly, as I have under- 
stood, of late, that the young ladies have as much right to do any- 
thing as have the young gentlemen." 

"I think that they have myself, but I don't think that it would be 
very becoming for our sex to do many things although we may have 
the right to do them." 

"You ask me to name some of the things in which they differ 
from our set." 

"First of all, let me say that the young ladies of our communities 
do not turn night into day, and then sleep during the forenoon at 
least. They get up in ample time, either to get breakfast or aid 
in preparing it, thus, they get the benefit of the early morning hours 
which helps to give them the rosy cheeks resulting from good health 
that our set as a rule do not possess." 

'No need of any make up with them as old Mother Nature sees 
to all that." 

"Money is not our creed for entrance into society. While most 
of our farmers have fine farms, good homes with all the modern 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 151 

conveniences, and a good bank account, they do not feel that these 
things make them any better than their less fortunate neighbors." 

"All our people meet on a common level, and as a rule do not 
gossip." 

"If a working man loses his cow or horse, the neighbors make 
up a purse, and buy him another one, and in every way help one 
another to the end that all are prospering." 

"The young people of our communities are receiving a practical 
education, and we are planning to give Fernwood the best the land 
affords." 

"Our set received but very little that would fit them for making 
their daily living if they were so unfortunate as to lose their property, 
and you know that that has happened to some of our set." 

"You remember how pitiful it was to see Alma Anderson trying 
to keep house. She did not know anything about cooking or sewing 
so Mr. Anderson had a hard time trying to make both ends meet 
although he received a good salary." 

"Our young people not only receive a good, practical education, 
but they are taught how to appear well in good society, and since 
they do not keep late hours, and their social gatherings being of an 
uplifting nature, they are at their best physically, mentally, morally 
and spiritually." 

"Ruth, you don't mean to say that social gatherings may be so 
conducted that the people attending same become better spiritually?" 

"I certainly do, Merton. Our social gatherings are of a literary 
and musical nature with some innocent amusements, and usually an 
inspiring talk by our pastor which leaves everyone thinking of better 
things, so while religious creeds are not mentioned, since there may 
be members of different denominations present, all are led to think 
of better things, and so are left in a receptive mood for the 'still, 
small voice' of our Savior." 

"This is no doubt true, since you are a living example of what 
you say, but it is beyond my comprehension. I often wish that I 
were a better man such as you describe, but I seem to be too weak. 
I know that you think a strong man physically should be strong 
not only morally but spiritually." 

"I most emphatically do, but you will always remain as you are 
until you give yourself entirely and unreservedly to the Savior." 

"Ruth, if you would only listen to my pleadings, I believe that I 
would be a better man with your presence and help to give me 
strength." 

"No, Merton, you may think that you would, but with the years 
you have spent in fashionable society with all its frivolities it will 



152 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

take more than weak, human strength to change your mode of Hfe." 

"Ruth, why won't you hsten to me? You know that I have loved 
you ever since we were school children, that I always shared every- 
thing with you, and protected you from all slighting remarks from " 
any of our acquaintances. In fact, I would give my hfe for you." 

"You may think you would, but when a man won't give up his 
present, sinful life, and become a Christian, he would not give up 
his life for a weak, sinful creature like me." 

"1 am surprised to hear you talk about yourself in such terms 
for you are a living example of a strong, pure Christian." 

"I may seem strong to you, but I am a human being with all the 
weaknesses of a human being, and it is only by the Savior's pre- 
sence, and with His help every moment of the day that I am enabled 
to walk in His steps." 

"Let it be as you say, but if I could have your presence and help 
every moment of the day, I know that I would be a better man." 

"That may be true to a limited extent, but you will never be the 
man that you are capable of becoming until you give yourself en- 
tirely up to the Savior and do His bidding." 

"Merton, let me put a few, plain questions to you and I want 
straightforward, honest answers to them." 

"Suppose, if you can, that you would like to have me walk down 
the street smoking a cigarette, cigar or a pipe or at all anywhere?" 

"No use supposing for that is something you would never do." * 

"Answer me, would you have me for your wife, if I were to do 
so?" 

"No-o, I guess not. I would not think it becoming in a pure, 
true woman like you." 

"Answer me, yes or no." 

"No." 

"Suppose I were to take the name of God in vain by uttering mild 
oaths as you call them. Would you have me as your wife?" 

"No." 

"Suppose I were to spend the night in dissipation and gambling. 
Would you have me for your wife?" 

"Ruth, why do you ask such improbable questions? You know 
that you would never do such things for any one. You know that 
you would not, if I do these things myself." 

"That is the reason, Merton, why I could never become your 
wife. You know that I do not believe in a double standard. I 
believe that I have just as much right to do all these things as you 
have, but you would never consent for me to do them if I wished 
to do so." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 153 

"You are right, Ruth." 

"We have discussed these things many times, and you would 
promise me that you would quit all your evil habits, and come to 
me as pure and true as you expected me to come to you, but you 
still cling to them or rather you allow them to cling to you defiling 
the beautiful temple your God gave you for your soul to dwell in." 

"Merton, I could never, never love any man as a wife should love 
the man into whose keeping she gives herself unless he comes to me 
as pure, true and free from all habits that defile, not only the body, 
but the mind and soul as well." 

"Then, there is no hope for me. I have sincerely tried to become 
the man you would have me be, but as I said before without your 
aid I can't overcome my evil habits." 

"There is none whatever. A man always promises to become a 
better man to get the woman he thinks that he loves, but after 
marriage his selfishness, and evil habits overcome him, and he soon 
falls back into his old ways, and the wife is left to mourn the loss 
of her ideal, and all too often is neglected or, else, is dragged down 
to his level to grope the rest of her Hfe in the mire and clay of his 
Uttle, selfish world." 

"You love someone else, I suppose, is the reason you will not 
marry me for you have led me to believe that you would become 
my wife or at least give me some hope." 

"I love my ideal man, and I will never marry unless I find him, 
and since you will not measure up to the ideal, I am forced to refuse 
you. I respect you, and wish you well, but that is all I can do." 

"Are you going to leave the city with all its social advantages, 
and church privileges that you have been accustomed to all your 
life for the country with its meager social activities and barren 
church privileges?" 

"So far as I can see into the future, I am. I will keep my old 
home here with all its hallowed memories, and visit it once in a while, 
but my life's work, as I see it, will be with my friends in the coun- 
try at Fernwood. As to our social activities and church privileges, 
Hart's Grove, Fernwood, and many other communities have just 
as many advantages as the city, and as I see it they are superior to 
those of the city in most ways. It won't be many years until most 
communities are the equal if not the superior of the cities along 
most lines of endeavor." 

"Ruth, you surprise me. We have always felt ourselves superior 
to the country in all things, and looked upon our country cousins 
with some degree of pity because of their boorish ways, lack of style, 
and their inability to appear well in society." 



154 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"There is where you are mistaken for there is a greater per cent, 
of the country people who excel in all the above than those in our 
cities. Our fashionable society friends have nothing else to do, 
but to dress and attend social functions, and of course since they 
devote practically their entire time in observing and practicing social 
etiquette according to the prevailing modes, there may be a greater 
per cent, among the fashionable set, but fashionable society is not 
always the best society as you are w^ell aware." 

"Our friends in the country are much more hospitable — are not so 
hypocritical — are more charitable, and generous to a fault." 

"You seem to be very much in love with the country, and your 
new found friends." 

"There is no seeming on my part as I am very much in love with 
the country, and more so with my good, generous-hearted friends." 

"Ruth, isn't your love for the country, and perhaps for some 
individual the reason for your refusing me? You know that I am 
not after your money as I have plenty." 

"No. I have given you my reasons and this is final. I will be 
your friend. My ideal man is the one I shall marry if he hasn't 
a dollar. Money is all right in its place, but it will not take the 
place of a true, pure love in a man whom I can trust at all times 
and under all circumstances." 

"Ruth, I am afraid that your ideal does not exist." 

"Yes, Merton, there are many, many such strong, dependable, 
noble men in this beautiful land of ours, and I feel that there would 
be many more if my sex would insist on the single standard." 

"I wish that the women of our set had insisted on the single stan- 
dard when I first entered society. I believe that I would not have 
formed the habits that I have." 

"I know that you never offered me any wine at your home, and 
always gave me to understand that smoking was not agreeable to 
you, and that you would never permit either in your house, but since 
so many of the young ladies of our set offered me wine, and said 
that smoking was not offensive to them, and also, permitted me 
to smoke in their homes, I supposed that perhaps it might have been 
a fancy of yours that would soon pass away, and so I formed 
habits that are not easily broken."" 

"You will never break off your evil habits so long as you depend 
upon your own strength or upon poor, weak, human beings. You 
must let the Savior bear your burdens. He is strong and able to 
deliver you from all your sins." 

"I do not seem to have any desire to do so. I know that I am 
weak and vacillating." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 155 

"Merton, I will still keep praying for you, but you must pray 

for yourself. I want you to promise me that you will pray for 

yourself every day." 

'T will, if you will pray for me at the same time." 

"All right, Merton. Say that we set the time at 9 P. M. I shall 

pray to my Savior to send conviction so deep into your heart that 

you will give up all your evil habits, and give yourself entirely into 

His care and thus become a pure, true, Christian gentleman — one 

who delights in doing good." 

"Will I have to give up the society of our set in doing so?" 
"Not necessarily so, but if you find that the society of any one 

comes between you and your Christian duties, you must give up 

the society of that person." 

"That would be pretty hard to do, Ruth." 

"That may be true, but which will profit you most, the company 

of a few of your friends for a short time here upon earth or the 

company of your Savior, your sainted father and mother and many 

of your earthly friends throughout all eternity." 
"You must remember your mother's prayers." 
"Don't, Ruth. I can't stand this any longer. Good-night." 
"Good-night, Merton. Remember 9 P. M. every night. May 

God bless you and keep you in His fold will be the burden of my 

prayers for you." 

XX. 

SPRINGFIELD'S WELFARE HOME 

There's never a rose in all the world 

But makes some green spray sweeter; 
There's never a wind in all the sky 

But makes some bird-wing fleeter; 
There's never a star but brings to heaven 

Some silver radiance tender; 
And never a rosy cloud but helps 

To crown the sunset splendor; 
No robin but may thrill some heart 

His dawnlight gladness voicing; 
God gives us all some small, sweet way 

To set the world rejoicing. 

SELECTED. 

*'Mr. Young, I would be pleased to have you go with me to our 
Church Home this afternoon so that we may go over the building, 
and see the different departmental rooms before the special program 
begins?" 



156 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"I shall certainly be glad to go with you as I wish not only to see 
the arrangement of the rooms with their furnishings for their special 
lines of work, but also, to learn what you are doing for social 
betterment. We may get some new ideas for use in our proposed 
work at Fernwood/' 

''Thank you, we will go now if you are ready. We will take our 
lunch in one of the small rooms so we may have the entire afternoon 
and evening for the inspection of our Home, and a social chat over 
what we have seen, and where we may add some things to our 
work for Fernwood's benefit while we are dining." 

"Since our Church Home is only a few blocks away, we will walk 
if it is agreeable to you?" 

"Perhaps you would like to go by Springfield's PubUc Welfare 
Home, and spend a short time in looking it over as it is only a block 
out of our way." 

"That will be to my liking. I have often heard of this Home, 
and of the wonderful work that you are doing." 

"Just around the corner of the next block is beautiful Audubon 
Park which is connected with several other parks by a system of 
boulevards. On the south side of this park, you will see the Public 
Welfare Home where young and old, rich and poor are welcome 
at all times, day or night, and the best of all is that they work har- 
moniously together for the good of all who may enter its doors." 

"That is not the usual way of working." 

"No, I know it is not, but it will be when we take the blessed 
Savior as our example and guide." 

"Here we are in sight of our city Welfare Home. What do you 
think of it?" 

"It is a fine looking building, and I don't wonder that the people 
of the city are proud of it." 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Taylor." 

"Good afternoon. Miss Wilson. I am very glad to see you, and 
welcome you to our Home again." 

"Mr. Taylor, permit me to introduce to you, my friend, Mr. 
Young." 

"Mr. Young, I am pleased to meet you, and welcome you to our 
Home." 

"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. I am glad to know you." 

"What is your pleasure, Miss Wilson?" 

"I would like to have Mr. Young see our Home." 

"Mr. Marsh, come here please." 

"Miss Wilson wishes to have her friend inspect our Home. 
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158 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Mr. Marsh, my friend, Mr. Young." 

''I am glad to know you, Mr. Young. Any friend of Miss Wilson 
is my friend, and I will be delighted to serve you and Miss Wilson." 

''I am glad to know you, Mr. Marsh." 

"As we leave the lobby, you will notice, on our left, the recep- 
tion room with its beautiful paintings and fine furnishings." 

"Mr. Marsh, I see poorly dressed women mingling with those who 
are well-dressed. That is not the usual order." 

"It is not in many cities, but here it is an every day occurence 
as dress is not looked upon as the required requisite for entrance 
into our Home." 

"I am glad to hear you say so as I have always felt that personality 
and character should count for far more thn it does with most 
people of means." 

"Mr. Young, I have often felt ashamed of my sex when they 
ignored good Christians just because they were not so stylishly 
dressed, and passed them by with that holier than thou spirit 
when about all that most of them had to commend them was their 
stylish dresses." 

"If I did not know you so well, I would be surprised at your 
remarks for a wealthy, young lady like you seldom thinks of any- 
thing, but self and dress." 

"This is the library and reading room for women. Here you will 
find most of the standard works — the most important magazines, 
especially those for women — also, all the important newspapers." 

"I see quite a number of women from the country in the library 
— this is not the usual thing in city libraries." 

"It is not an unusual thing with us for we have a rest room next 
door for our out-of-town guests. Here many from the country 
and towns make their headquarters, especially if they are through 
shopping before train time, and tired or indisposed, and so they 
go to the library quite often." 

"I notice that you use the term guests when referring to the 
out-of-town women. I like that expression." 

"And why not, Mr. Young, isn't a visitor a guest?" 

"Mr. Young, I think that Mr. Marsh is right in using the term 
guest." 

"Springfield believes that what she does for the country she does 
for herself." 

"The next room is the women's employment bureau office. Here 
those seeking work of any kind list their names and addresses, also, 
those desiring help list their names or call and state their needs." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 159 

"You will notice entrances from the streets at both our right and 
left, also, stairways and elevators." 

"The doors just in front of us open into the gymnasium gallery. 
If you would like to see the arrangement of the lockers, shower 
baths and dressing room for the gymnasium, we can do so when 
we are in the basement." 

"I certainly would like to do so, Mr. Marsh." 

"Turning to our left and passing down the hallway, we have the 
juvenile library room, the story hour room and the boys' game 
room." 

"The sight of these rooms with the happy, smiling faces of the 
boys and girls in the different rooms make me wish that I was a boy 
again." 

"I did not have access to many juvenile books when I was a boy 
nor did I get to hear of the many interesting stories now told the 
children. The boys and girls who have access to all these are to 
be envied." 

"Mother would tell sister and me the 'story of the cross,' and 
now and then about the lives of our early pioneers as well as a few 
Nature stories, but her stock of stories were limited to the times 
in which she lived." 

"Mr. Young, you have a mother to be proud of as she is one 
among a thousand. If all the boys and girls of the land had such 
mothers to guide and direct them, as you have been, how much 
better off they would be. We would not need prisons, reforma- 
tories, and the many legal restraints that are so necessary for the 
protection of our citizens at the present time. She certainly has 
left her impress upon your life, and I think that there will be many 
who will be glad that there is one Frank Young at least." 

"Thank you, I will do my best to merit those kind words." 

"Mr. Young, I would like to meet your mother. From Miss 
Wilson's description of her, she must be like what my mother must 
have been. She died when I was seven years old, but the memory 
of her many kindnesses, and the care that she gave me has kept me 
thus far from many of the temptations that so often lead boys 
astray." 

"I shall be very glad to have you visit us at any time that will 
suit your convenience, and I am sure that mother will give you a 
hearty welcome, and you will find dear, "old daddy" ready to give 
you the right hand of fellowship." 

"Mr. Marsh, if I mistake not, you will find a second mother as 
Mrs. Young has such a large, loving heart that is always ready to 
receive those who need mothering, and then as Mr. Young affection- 



i6o FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

ately calls his father, you will find that he is just such a father, and 
will give you a hearty welcome at anytime." 

"Mr. Young, I thank you for your kind invitation, and from what 
you have said supplemented by Miss Wilson's statement, will accept 
it with the same degree of sincerity with which you gave it, and will 
come at the first opportunity." 

"Why not go home with us ? We will go home in about ten days." 

"T will do so if I can get off from my duties here." 

"Returning to the main hall, and passing over to the other side of 
the building, we will enter our manual training room. Here the girls 
may take the work, also, and a few of them are as handy in the use 
of tools as are most of the boys. This magazine stand was made by 
a girl only thirteen years old." 

"Mr. Marsh, I bought one lately that was no better made and 
finished than this one." 

"Miss Wilson, do you expect to have the girls take manual train- 
ing at Fernwood?" 

"Yes, as I do not see any good reason why a girl or woman for 
that matter should not be allowed to take up anything for which they 
may have a natural aptitude." 

"Coming back to the main hall, we pass the office of the men's 
employment bureau and the room for the superintendent of the 
building." 

"Then we come to the men's rest room, and if Miss Wilson will 
excuse us for a few minutes, we will pass into the inner rest room 
with its cots, couches and beds." 

"Certainly, gentlemen. I will remain here on this couch by the 
door, and feast my eyes on the beautiful landscape paintings on the 
paneled walls of the hall while you are gone." 

"Miss Wilson, I never saw any better equipped rest room any- 
where, but that is a good idea of having an inner rest room with not 
only cots and couches, but real beds — none of your temporary make- 
shifts good enough for the men." 

"We have the same for the women on their side of the hall." 

"I see that you have easy chairs, settees, and couches in all the 
rooms, in the hall, and in the lobby on this floor. I suppose that you 
have them on all the floors?" 

"Yes, Mr. Young, and we pride ourselves on having the best of 
everything needful for the comfort of our guests." 

"This is the library and reading room for the men. It is supplied 
with many standard works not found in the women's library. These 
books are transferred from one library to the other when called for. 
Lists of all the books are kept in each library for the convenience 




Scco/v 23 Flo on 



i62 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

of our guests as well as our citizens from which they may make 
their selections." 

*'We will return to the elevators and go to the second floor." 

"The doors across the hall open into the auditorium." 

*Tf you had been here yesterday afternoon, you would have seen 
quite an interesting program of motion pictures. The pictures were 
mostly of an educational nature with one pertaining to the farm and 
one comedy. There were several numbers of music both instru- 
mental and vocal. Miss Porter, a prominent vocalist of Springfield, 
gave two numbers, and Prof. Geo. R. Skinner, of our college of 
music, gave us three selections on the big, pipe organ. These pro- 
grams are given each Tuesday afternoon, and are free to our guests. 
Then there is seldom an evening, but what there is a free program 
of some kind." 

"These programs must cost a good deal — pray tell me from what 
source does it come?" 

"Most of the music is given without any charge while the films are 
rented from the general expense fund — this fund is made up from 
several sources, namely, from the charges made for sleeping rooms, 
the profits from the restaurants and lunch rooms, from an occasional 
program in the auditorium or a game in the gymnasium when a fee 
is charged, and from voluntary contributions." 

"As a usual thing, voluntary contributions are few in number so 
I fear you do not get much from this source." 

"That may be true in some cities, but here it is from this source 
that we get most of our funds." 

"You, no doubt, would be surprised at the amount that we get 
from the shop men, the clerks, and from our out-of-town guests. 
They feel it to be not only a privilege, but a duty to aid in so worthy 
a cause, and thus help an unfortunate brother or sister as well as 
from the pleasure and enjoyment derived from the entertainments, 
and the use of the library, shower baths, and swimming pools." 

"Our Home with its beautiful paintings, reading rooms, con- 
taining books and magazines that are not only instructive, but ele- 
vating in character, programs that are not only entertaining, but 
uplifting, and with the Bible in the reading rooms, and in every bed 
room has been the means of helping hundreds to be better men and 
women so they are glad to aid us by giving all they can spare, and 
all too often they really give more than their limited means would 
justify." 

"We receive quite often through the mails, contributions from 
some unfortunate brother or sister who was helped along by our 
Home." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 163 

"Miss Wilson will pardon me, I know, when I tell you that she 
not only makes us a liberal yearly donation, but also, gives us much 
of her time when in the city." 

"Get her to tell you what a prominent part our Home played in 
helping to drive the saloons out of Springfield, and what it does in 
helping to care for the unfortunate patrons of them." 

"By the way, we are to have a game of basket-ball between our 
team, and a team from Rochester on next Friday night. I trust 
that you will be my guests for the evening." 

"Mr. Marsh, Mr. Young lives near Rochester, and I have been 
teaching near there so I will be very glad to accept your kind invita- 
tion, but you must excuse me if I cheer on the Rochester lads." 

"And I, also, will be glad to accept your invitation, and of course 
you will expect me to be loyal to our boys and cheer for them." 

"Of course you would be disloyal to your team not to do other- 
wise, but I feel that I must remain true to our team although you 
are my guests." 

"We would not expect you to desert your colors would we. Miss 
Wilson?" 

"Certainly not, and it would go very hard for me to see our Home 
team defeated." 

"We will pass over to the hall at our left where you see we have 
rooms for the floor matron, toilet, Camp Fire Girls and the House- 
wives' League." 

"Coming back to the main hall, we have, first, the office of our 
Board of Control, next, the guests' kitchen, then, the guests' lunch 
room and last, the woman's waiting room." 

"The lunch room has its tables for the use of our out-of-town 
guests who have brought their lunches or they may order from the 
restaurant, if they wish to do so, some special dish, some warm 
drink, or the entire meal. There is nothing said or done that would 
cause anyone to feel that he must patronize the restaurant." 

"The guests, of their own accord, asked the manager to place 
printed bills of fare upon each table so they may know what the 
restaurant has for each day's menu." 

"The kitchen is equipped so that our guests may make some hot 
drink, warm up some prepared dish, or cook a full meal." 

"On this side of the hall, we have the men's waiting room, the 
restaurant and lunch room, the kitchen and toilets." 

"Here many of those occupying rooms take their meals — many 
business men take their noonday lunch with us, and quite often some 
of the different committees take their lunch here when delayed with 
business^ — then our guests patronize us when remaining over night 



i64 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

for some entertainment or are delayed by some unfinished business 
so as a rule the restaurant and lunch room have all they can do, 
and we certainly are proud of the reputation our restaurant bears 
for its cleanliness, good cooking and excellent service." 

"Passing down the hallway at our right, we notice the manager's 
room, the toilet, a waiting room, and a room for the legal aid 
bureau." 

''Shall we take the elevator, Miss Wilson?" 

"I prefer to walk up the stairway as I wish Mr. Young to see 
the beautiful painting at the landing, showing Springfield at an early 
day." 

"There is a decided contrast between then and now — then you had 
no beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, and fine residences. It seems 
that some one must have been back of all the efforts made for 'City 
Beautiful?" 

"The Civic Improvement League, backed up by loyal citizens, 
have made Springfield what she is today, and what any city may 
become if the citizens desire it. Much could be said about how 
this was done. I will tell you some other time as we must hasten." 

"At our right is a hall which is a passage way to the women's 
bed rooms, six in number with rooms for shower baths, and a 
toilet." 

"These doors open into the auditorium gallery. Just ahead of us 
is a hall off of which is the matron's room, a toilet, and six more 
bed rooms for women." 

"Mr. Marsh, suppose an unfortunate sister should seek lodging 
with you and had no money, would she be turned away?" 

"Most decidedly, no. This is one of our special lines of work. 
All trains are met by some one of our band of Welfare workers, 
and if a stranger is found who is seeking work, she is brought to our 
Home, assigned a room, given lunch tickets, and later is taken to the 
employment bureau office where she makes her wants known — 
when a position is secured for her, she is taken by one of our Wel- 
fare workers to her new home and is never lost sight of — she is 
thus protected from the many pitfalls that are to be found in all 
cities." 

"Being grateful for all the many kindnesses, she pays us for her 
lodging and meals just as soon as she is able to do so although we 
make no charges." 

"Our Home is built for the express purpose of making men and 
women better men and women, and so we throw all the safe guards 
around them possible, also, we do all that we can to keep track of 
our guests when they leave the city. By doing this, we have been 



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i66 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

able to aid them quite often in getting better positions, also, we have 
the pastor and his workers, of the church to which they expressed 
a preference, look after them so that in nearly every case they 
become Christians so we would feel amply repaid if we never re- 
ceived pay for the lodging and meals. But so far, we have never 
lost a cent by trusting our unfortunate sisters." 

*T am glad that there is one city, at least, that looks after the 
unfortunate ones of our land. We call ourselves a Christian nation, 
but all too often we do not practice what we preach. How much 
better off would our unfortunate brother and sister be, if other 
cities would follow our example." 

"The leaven is already at work, Mr. Young. We are in a league 
of Welfare Homes consisting of six cities at the present time, and 
there are several cities about ready to join with us — we have a 
national organization with a constitution and by-laws to which a 
new Home must subscribe on becoming a member of the league." 

"We have a card that is filled out when any unfortunate brother 
or sister asks for aid or are brought in by the Welfare workers — 
this card has blank spaces to be filled out with the name, home 
address, occupation and church affiliations or preference, also, the 
name of our Home, location and league number." 

"A copy is sent to his home address, also, a copy is given him 
whenever he wishes to leave for another city in the league — we, 
also, give each one of our guests a membership card which he carries 
with him, and he is in good standing so long as he reports his address 
to us whenever he goes from one city to another city." 

"Wouldn't it be grand if all the cities, towns, villages and country 
communities in the land would join the league?" 

"We think it would, Mr. Young, and so our efforts are toward 
getting all Welfare Homes to join the National league, also, in 
organizing new Homes." 

"Miss Wilson, don't you believe that Fernwood would join the 
League?" 

"I believe that she will join, in fact, we will see that she does, 
but we must be going. Mr. Marsh and you can have a long talk 
along these lines before we return to Fernwood." 

"This is the sewing room, and the adjoining one is the arts and 
crafts room — here the young ladies of the city, and surrounding 
country may take up any particular line of work that is preferred, 
and follow it up until they are thoroughly competent to make it 
their line of business if the time ever comes when they need it for 
a livelihood." 



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i68 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

''This hallway leads to the United Charities and the Willing 
Workers rooms, also the women's toilet." 

"Here we have the Social Service assembly room." 
''Across the main hall, we have a clinic room, and it is, also, used 
by the Department of Health Council." 

"Next is the dispensary where our guests may buy all needed 
medicines, and which is patronized by our local members when in 
need — if we find anyone in need of medicine, and who is without 
the necessary money to pay for same, he gets it free of charge." 

"Here is the nursery where the little ones are taken care of during 
the day while their mothers are at work earning their daily bread.'^ 
"Let us step inside, Mr. Young, as I wish you to see the little, 
sleeping rooms." 

*'Some one must have been very thoughtful by suggesting such 
dainty, little rooms, and then, here are all the conveniences necessary 
for comfort. Well of all things — just look at the different play- 
things — there are not many children of wealthy parents who have 
such a variety — someone must have remembered when she was a 
child." 

"Yes, Mr. Young, there are several good fairies who remember 
the little ones." 

"This is the office of the Civic Improvement League." 
"We will take the elevator for the fourth floor which may not 
interest you so much as it is the men's floor." 

"I am very much interested in everything that is of help to my 
brother." 

"Here, between the elevators, is the office." 

"I wish to call your attention to the halls — they are used as gen- 
eral living and lounging rooms, and so, are furnished with easy 
chairs, settees, and couches." 

"Yes, I saw that each hall was liberally supplied with easy chairs, 
settees and couches, and here you give our brothers just as fine 
furnishings as on the other floor — I, also, see that the walls are 
paneled, and just as fine paintings as have the other halls." 

"The Board of Control believes that fine surroundings help to 
make men better, and so give our unfortunate brothers everything 
that may direct their thoughts toward right living." 

"Notice the painting of the old, farm homestead over there — 
we have had more than one man who, on seeing the painting, was led 
to be a better man, and afterwards returned to the old home to 
gladden the hearts of the old father and mother who had never 
given up praying for the return of their wandering boy." 

"I see several well-dressed men, who appear to be business men, 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 169 

conversing with our unfortunate brothers — that is as it should be. 
I, also, notice that there are no partitions separating what the world 
pleases to call the down and out men from the men of means." 

"We do not believe in class distinctions here — we furnish each 
bedroom not only with a good bed, easy chairs, hot and cold running 
water, etc., but place upon the paneled walls fine pictures that lead 
men to admire, cause them to think, and then to act." 

"The men you speak of are travelling men who belong to the 
Gideons, an order of Christian men who never let an opportunity go 
by to help an unfortunate brother in every way possible to the end 
that he may be led to the Savior." 

'Tf a man should come in who has no money and is hungry, 
would he be turned away or told to earn some money before he 
could have a lunch?" 

"It doesn't make any difference whether he drops in of his own 
accord or is brought in by some friend or by some one of our 
workers, he is never turned away, but is given something to eat 
at once for he may be too weak from hunger to work — if he has 
no respectable place to lodge, we assign him a room, and have our 
workers see to his comfort." 

"Let us take a peep at one of our bedrooms." 

"These rooms are as fine as you will find in the best of hotels." 

"All true, Mr. Young. We believe here that to have a man be- 
come a better man you must give him surroundings that will compel 
him to think of those things that go with a better life, and so in most 
cases he desires to become a better man — for with clean and beau- 
tiful surroundings, good reading before him at all times, free enter- 
tainment in the auditorium with good music from the big, pipe 
organ, and last but not least plenty of good, wholesome food — 
how can he keep from becoming the man that he should be?" 

"Let us go into the restaurant and partake of our hospitality." 

"Well, this beats all — what a beautiful room! Nothing to show 
that you may be in a room in which you may feel that you are 
dependent on charity." 

"Mr. Marsh, are all the men given the privilege of tables with 
the fine, clean, table linen, a menu card, and the services of a 
waiter?" 

"Yes, and after you have ordered and eaten your food, I believe 
that you will agree with me that our brothers do not need to go 
away hungry." 

"Our waiter was formerly a bar tender, and when the saloons 
were driven out of the city, having no home and out of a position, 
came to us and has remained with us ever since. He says, that 



170 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

with lodging and meals, he is making more than he did when in the 
saloon although we do not pay him so much, and that he would 
not leave if we should cut out his salary because he now has for 
his associates Christian men and women." 

"Most of our help comes from those who were out of work, and 
had no home. Some would work for their board and lodging if we 
would let them rather than lose the chance of being with the Home 
and its protecting care, but we know that one is removed from many 
temptations when he has some money about him and so stated wages 
are given them." 

"Mr. Marsh, this food is wholesome and well cooked, and I am 
surprised at the different articles to be found upon the menu card — 
none of your stale bread and bologna sausage meals with muddy, 
black coffee and no cream that some of our so called Christian 
cities furnish our unfortunate brother — many times his stomach 
rebels at such food, but hunger compels him to eat it, and so he 
goes on his way grumbling at fate." 

"I know that some of our good citizens say that he has brought 
it all upon himself. I don't think so for circumstances and lack 
of right training or in most cases no training at all toward making 
a man self-supporting are the causes in too many cases." 

"Mr. Young is right in his views, don't you think so, Mr. Marsh?" 

"I do. Miss Wilson, for I know from experience. I am a gradu- 
ate of our high school, and was compelled to take the prescribed 
course laid down by the superintendent who was a university man. 
He adopted the course as required for entrance in the universities 
when he knew or ought to have known that only about five per cent 
of the high school graduates ever enter the college or universities." 

"Thank fortune, Springfield now has a superintendent who has 
changed the system so that catering to the colleges and universities 
is made of secondary importance. The present course permits one 
to select work that will fit him for his future life's work as his bent 
seems to demand and under wise guidance completes his work by 
subjects in one-half to three-fourths of the time that the system 
requires." 

"I am surprised, and also, pleased to find one so young who has 
made a success of his work in spite of the shortcomings of our 
school system." 

"The state is woefully amiss in permitting such glaring faults 
to exist. Instead of educating the individual in those things that he 
is especially interested in, and giving him experience in management, 
and tlie habits of economy in both time and money, also, right 
moral training at least, she educates her charges in almost every- 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 171 

thing, but the things that go to prepare one for his daily work, and 
then starts him out on hfe's journey and when he fails, as many 
of them do, she builds state institutions of all kinds at a heavy ex- 
pense, and with a much larger amount for running expenses to take 
charge of her delinquents." 

"Mr. Marsh, how many of your acquaintances do you know who 
know the value of time and money, and are capable of taking charge 
of a small business and conduct it successfully?" 

'T am sorry to say it, but very few. Miss Wilson." 

"No wonder since they are not trained to do things, but we must 
be going." 

"I am sorry that your time is so limited, but we will hurriedly 
look over this floor and the roof garden." 

"This is the men's library, and here on our right is the toilet and 
shower baths. Each side of the floor has its toilet and shower baths, 
also, fourteen bedrooms." 

"Here at our left is the reading and writing room, and this is the 
men's recreation room." 

"At our right is the traveling men's writing room, while at our 
left is the room for the night school." 

'We can go to the roof garden by the stairway ahead of us." 

"My! Isn't this a grand view of your city from this beautiful 
roof garden? With all the shrubbery, plants and flowers arranged 
around the roof with landscape garden effects one would certainly 
enjoy an evening here." 

"It is a very popular place with our people." 

"The glass roof is raised four feet above the promenade which is 
fifteen feet wide all around the building — upon this raised roof which 
is sixty feet wide and one hundred twenty feet long are easy chairs, 
settees, and tables with shrubbery, plants and flowers artistically 
arranged here and there. You see that we have a fountain here 
between the elevators while the south end of the roof has a sub- 
stantial frame work for the support of a canvass roof by which we 
may keep off the sun or rain, and when not needed, may be rolled 
up." 

"Refreshments are quite often served here, being sent up from 
the lunch room on the fourth floor. Many house parties are given 
here — in fact, it would take quite a little while to tell you of all the 
uses to which we put our garden." 

"It is three o'clock, Mr. Marsh, so we must be going as I wish to 
show Mr. Young our Church Home before the evening program 
begins." 

"Sorry that you can't take any more time at present as I wish 



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FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 173 

Mr. Young to see more of our Home. You must come again, Mr. 
Young. Miss Wilson knows all about our work here, and has seen 
every nook and corner of our Home as she was one of the building 
committee, and had much to do with its furnishing." 

*T will be glad to come the first day that Miss Wilson can spare 
me. I am here not only as her guest, but also, to get ideas for our 
building campaign for Fernwood." 

*I shall be glad to show you over the basement, and to take more 
time in looking over any other part of the building that you may like 
to see more of." 

"Thank you, I will come tomorrow morning if Miss Wilson has 
nothing particular for me to do." 

"There isn't anything on hand, but what can be postponed till 
another day. I want you to get all the points that you can before 
we return so that Fernwood may have everything that goes with a 
modern equipped gymnasium. Our boys and girls, young men and 
young women, and the parents as well must have the best of every- 
thing." 

"Mr. Young, you and your community are very fortunate in hav- 
ing Miss Wilson with you in your building campaign." 

"Come, Mr. Young, let us be going as I fear that Mr. Marsh is 
becoming somewhat of a flatterer." 

"No, Miss Wilson, I just stated what I feel to be the truth as I 
know what you have done for us, and I also know that you are 
capable of doing as much or more for Mr. Young's community." 

"Mr. Marsh, I know what she has done for Hart's Grove, and I 
know that she is quite willing to aid us, and I would be selfish not 
to give a word of just praise where it is due." 

"Have your own way, gentlemen." 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Marsh." 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Young." 

"Good afternoon. Miss Wilson." 

"I trust that you will come quite often whenever you are in the 
city. It is a great pleasure to be of some service to you." 



174 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

XXL 

A CHURCH HOME 

High thoughts and noble in all lands 

Help me: my soul is fed by such 
But ah, the touch of life and hands, 

The human touch! 
Warm, vital, close, life's symbols dear, 

These need I most, and now, and here. 
RICHARD BURTON. 

*'Mr. Young, what do you think of our Welfare Home?" 

"It is a magnificent building, well arranged for its special lines 
of work, and equipped in good taste, but the best of all is the home- 
like atmosphere felt throughout the building. I observed that every 
one was made to feel that he was a human being — made to feel 
that he was an honored guest whether he had means or did not have 
a cent in his pockets." 

*T am glad that you felt the spirit of our Home for above all 
else that is our aim." 

"Too many of our efforts come to naught because we feed and 
clothe our unfortunate brother without giving him to feel that touch 
of human sympathy that he is so much in need of." 

"We planned our Welfare Home for the express purpose of 
saving men and women as well as for the social betterment of our 
citizens. We finished the inside in decorative panels with the color 
tone of the walls and ceilings harmonizing — hung appropriate paint- 
ings and pictures upon the walls of the halls and in all the rooms — 
then with hardly a day or evening passing without an entertainment 
of some kind — an interesting talk, stereopticon lectures, motion pic- 
tures on interesting and instructive subjects with one or more 
comedies, a musicale or recital — all these have a strong tendency 
to bring out the best in every man or woman — their hearts are 
touched with our efforts, and before they realize it they have a 
strong desire to lead a better life — thus our work is made much 
easier, and we seldom fail in bringing them into the Master's fold." 

"Here we are at our Church Home. On entering, we find our- 
selves in the vestibule with a stairway at our right and several 
boxes off the auditorium, one of which we are to use when eating 
our lunch, also, occupy for most of the evening." 

"I want you to see and hear without being seen as we have some 
distressing cases to deal with in our efforts to make men and women 




Tl R^T Ploor 



176 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

better since the evil effects of the open saloons in our city have not 
entirely passed away." 

'*On our left is the reception room, and down this hallway at our 
left is the Social Service assembly room which is used most every 
night for prayer services for those who are seeking to lead a Chris- 
tian life." 

"That being the case, you have no time in which to hold revival 
or special services as so many of our churches do?" 

"No, we do not need them as we are continually looking after the 
unsaved, and never let them go until they give their hearts to God 
and consecrate their lives to His service, and then we never relax 
our efforts in looking after their welfare, either spiritually, socially 
or financially." 

"Suppose you find someone who prefers some other church 
affiliation, what do you do with him?" 

"We send him with one of our Willing Workers who introduces 
him to his future pastor." 

"We are in the city league of churches, Young Women's Chris- 
tian Association, Young Men's Christian Association and the city 
Welfare Home — thus we are not only in a position to keep track 
of any of our converts who remain in the city, but since we belong 
to the National League, we are still where we can see after their 
welfare at all times." 

"Miss Wilson, where would we be today as a Christian nation if 
such plans had been adopted a good many years ago?" 

"We would certainly merit the name of a Christian nation to a 
much greater extent than we now do that is certain, but you must 
remember that evil travels on the wings of light while the good 
we do travels, all too often, with feet of lead so we as Christians 
must be always at work for the Master if we are to save perishing 
souls." 

"Coming back to the main hall, we have the auditorium on our 
right.We can see the beautiful paneled ceiling and walls with the 
many fine paintings from Bible scenes from our box this evening 
as we partake of our lunch so we will pass on." 

"At our left is our restaurant and lunch room. Here we serve 
good, wholesome food to all at popular prices. If any one should 
not have the money for his lunch at the time, we trust him for it." 

"Don't you lose a good many dollars in the course of the year not 
knowing every one?" 

"No, we lose but very little, in fact, hardly worth mentioning." 

"Do you keep books for those whom you trust?" 

"No, we do not. We use printed cards like this sample, having 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 177 

stubs for filing away. On each stub are lines for name, home ad- 
dress, occuj)ati()n and date, also the following (|uestions: To what 
church do you belong? VVliat is your church preference? If he is 
not a church member, he fills out his church preference only." 

"On the margin of the stub and corresponding to the margin on 
the card are different amounts ranging from live cents to one dollar — 
the amount of his bill is punched out of both stub and card — the 
stub is filed away while the card is given to the person obtaining 
credit — on the card is the name of our Church Home, its location 
with the date stamped thereon, also the following verses of scrii)ture: 

'Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth 
another hath fulfilled the law.' Romans 13:8. 

'And U) know the K^ve of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye 
might be filled with all the fulness of God.' Ephesians 3:19. 

'iilcssed arc the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' Mat- 
thew 5:8." 

"The brother takes this card with him as a gentle reminder of 
his debt to us, and seldom do we fail to receive it — sometimes we 
receive a free will offering from the brother to be applied upon the 
debt of some unfortunate brother — but the best of all are the verses 
of scripture which he will read and re-read many times till they seem 
to become a part of himself thus liccoming a Ijetter man for his 
reading — he will, also, think of our touch of human sympathy, and 
in most cases he gives his heart to God, and so we are more than 
paid if we never get the amount of his bill." 

"Many men in remitting or calling to settle state that they have 
become C'hristians through the reading of the verses and from our 
kindness to them in their time of need." 

"The gymnasium is just ahead of us across tlie hall. There is to ije 
a game of basket-ball between the Baptist Sunday School team and 
our Sunday School team tomorrow afternoon so we will drop in to 
see the game, also, inspect the e(|uii)ment if you wish to do so." 

"I will be glad of the opi)ortunity not only to see the game, but to 
get a list of the ap[)aratus used here so as to aid us in making a 
selection for our gymnasium." 

"At our right, up the hallway, are rooms for the building supenn- 
tendent, lioard of C^(jntrol, (Church's business manager and the legal 
aid bureau." 

"Tell me the duties of each as they are new to me." 

"The superintendent has charge of all the Home's activities, and 
through each matron and manager directs the work of each 
de])artment." 

"1'he Board of Control is composed of nine members, namely, the 



178 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

business manager, Sunday school superintendent, the building super- 
intendent and six church members, three of whom shall be women — 
they have charge of the policy governing the Home in all its phases." 

"We wish our pastor to be our spiritual leader so we have an ex- 
perienced man for business manager thus taking all financial worries, 
and the details of church management away from him — this gives 
our pastor his forenoons for reading and study so that he may come 
to us with the message of faith, hope and love which we need far 
more than all the sermons on creeds and theology — his afternoons 
for pastoral visits and conferences with those who need his counsel 
and words of encouragement — his evenings to the various Church 
and Church Home meetings and to bring to us at all times the Gospel 
of Humanity." 

"The business manager confers with our pastor to get his ideas 
as to all the different church activities, and the program for the 
week's work such as the arrangement for all meetings, and the 
supplying of all Church Home literature — he has charge of the 
Church and Home funds, keeping a separate account with each, 
paying all bills incurred by both Church and Home and has charge 
of the sick, accident, old age, and burial benefits — looks after the 
up-keep of all the church property, and all other details that may 
come up from time to time in our efforts for the spiritual and social 
uplift of the church community." 

"You state that the business manager has charge of the Church 
and Home funds. How are these funds obtained, and do you have 
enough for meeting all the running expenses, and the salaries with- 
out taking the time of one or more of the Sunday morning services 
in taking up special collections ?" 

"We do not need to take up any special collections at any time, 
also, we have banished the collection plates from all our services 
for we have more than enough to meet all the expenses of both 
Church and Home, the salaries of our pastor, the business manager, 
the superintendent, matrons and managers of the different floors, 
and all the help in the several departments." 

"We place the remainder, after paying all the expenses and sal- 
aries, in the sinking fund for all repairs or to aid in replacing any 
of our buildings when needed — we let the interest and principal 
accumulate thus giving us a fund for any emergency." 

"We do not allow any traveling pastor or any one else to occupy 
the pulpit during our regular services for the purpose of taking up 
a collection." 

"If our pastor and business manager finds any request for money 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 179 

a worthy one, a sum commensurate with its needs is turned over to 
the person making the request." 

"This arrangement enables us to go home £lled with the spirit of 
God's love to man and of Divine things." 

"Our funds come from the following sources : Tithing, room rents, 
the restaurants and lunch rooms, dispensary and free will offerings 
from our members or from visitors who drop their offerings into 
boxes which are placed in the vestibules of both Church and Home — 
tithing furnishes the most of our funds as practically all our mem- 
bers give one-tenth of their incomes to the Lord's service — all are 
being prospered as never before, and a good many of us make a free 
will offering in addition to tithing because we feel that it all belongs 
to the Lord as we are only His stewards." 

"Miss Wilson, what would happen if all our churches would adopt 
tithing?" 

"The Lord's work would increase by leaps and bounds — every 
one would take more interest in his Christian duties for he has made 
an investment in the Master's business, and will be a much stronger 
worker because he is in partnership with the Lord." 

"Suppose several men go into partnership for the purpose of sell- 
ing merchandise, and they put into the business only a small amount 
of capital, and then add to their capital only as their inclinations 
compel them to do, how long do you think the business would 
prosper?" 

"No sane business man would invest his money with such partners 
— a partnership should call for a stated amount large enough for 
handling the business successfully, and then each partner looks after 
his department to the end that they make a good per cent, on their 
investment." 

"Christ knew human nature and the desires of the heart when he 
said, 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' " 

"This is the legal aid bureau room. As its name implies, any 
one needing legal advice may confer with Mr. John A. Welty who 
is a member of our church, and has his office here — if any one is in 
need of advice and is unable to pay for same, he gets it free of charge 
especially if he is a member of our church or is a Christian." 

"Do you pay Mr. Welty a salary?" 

"No, it is not necessary as he has a large business which he has 
built up by keeping people out of law suits and through the settle- 
ment and management of estates — his clients being grateful to him 
for his efforts in their behalf often pay him a fee much larger than 
the usual price for such service — ^he has charge of my business, and 
so gets a good fee from me each year." 



i8o FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Over on this side of the building, we have the Boy Scouts' room, 
the boys' game room and the juvenile library and story telling room." 

"The Boy Scout movement is a wonderful organization for the 
boys — it appeals to boy nature more strongly than any organization 
I know of — each church in the city has its company of Scouts and 
they have formed a regiment — I believe that the Scout movement 
will appeal to our boys so I propose that we organize a company. I 
will get our Scout master to come out to Fernwood and form 
patrols." 

"I hope that you will do so as I know that our boys will favor the 
movement." 

"What kind of games are permissable in your Church Home?" 

"Parlor croquet, checkers, dominos, Trix, Flinch — in fact any 
game not ordinarily used in gambling." 

"Do you have any supervision over your rooms?" 

"None at all, Mr. Young, as the boys have an unwritten law or 
understanding that anyone proposing a game or bringing in a game 
that is not proper for our Home is debarred from all privileges of 
the Home for thirty days for the first offense, and sixty days for 
the second offense, and must have a friend to vouch for his good 
behavior before he is admitted in good standing for the second 
offense — for the third offense, he is forever debarred from all the 
privileges of the Home and loses his membership in the Scouts." 

"Miss Wilson, I wish that all the boys in the land had the privi- 
leges of such a Home — it would certainly cut off all recruits for 
the saloons and other evil resorts." 

"The Board of Control felt the same way about it, and so they 
decided that they would do all in their power to give the boys a 
chance to become manly, Christian men." 

"It is because the saloons and evil resorts make stronger bids for 
our boys than do most of our churches that they get so many of 
them." 

"That is all true, Mr. Young, and it is to our everlasting shame 
as parents, as Christian men and women, and as a Christian Nation 
that we have let this hydra-headed monster exist so long without 
making the effort to crush it — if we, but cut off its supplies of 
innocent boys, it will die from lack of support." 

"Let us take the elevator for the second floor." 

"The doors across the hall open into the gymnasium gallery." 

"At our left, we have a sewing room, four bedrooms, a toilet, 
shower baths and a dressing room for women while on the right 
of the gallery, we have the same number of rooms for women, also 
a linen room." 



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i82 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Our bedrooms are furnished with as good furniture, bedding and 
bed Hnen as may be found in the best of homes — have hot and cold 
running water in each room — have fine paintings and pictures hung 
upon the walls thus giving that homelike atmosphere usually found 
wanting in most hotels and rooming houses." 

"Going toward the front of the Home, we have the nursery at our 
right. Let us step in and see how the little tots are faring." 

"These little ones are left in our care during the day while their 
mothers are off at work earning a living for their little families." 

"See them at their play with the many different kind of playthings 
for you know what takes the fancy of one child does not appeal to 
another child so the need of many different kinds." 

"Come here, Mr. Young, and take a peep into one of these tiny 
bedrooms. Did you ever see anything sweeter than that little, inno- 
cent, sleeping child?" 

"Miss Wilson, the sight of these innocent, little ones being looked 
after so lovingly with all the care of a kind mother in a good, pros- 
perous home gets hold of my heart-strings, and causes me to think 
that some one is to be censured for the conditions found in the homes 
of these little ones." 

"It does seem to me that the good people of every State should 
pass a mother's pension law so that the mothers of the little ones all 
over this prosperous. Christian Nation of ours might remain at home, 
and bring them up to be good citizens at least." 

"That is as true as the sun shines. There are a few States that 
have passed such a law, and if it were done in every State this great 
Nation of ours would be vastly better off financially, morally and 
spiritually. I am old fogy enough to believe that if our land is 
to endure as a Nation that we must teach every child to walk in the 
steps of Him who gave us our being." 

"We will pass out to our model chamber. What do you think 
of it?" 

"It is the prettiest bedroom that I have ever seen — everything 
here that the most fastidious taste could expect or desire — is it for 
show or for use?" 

"It is used to illustrate to our classes the arrangement and care 
of the furnishings, and each young lady of our classes occupies it at 
least once during the year, and takes care of it under the supervision 
of the matron. This door opens into the matron's room." 

"Across the hall is the dispensary — here those needing medicines 
of any kind may have their wants supplied although they may have 
no money — this department is entirely self-supporting from the pro- 
fits made from those who can pay for their goods." 



a 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 183 

"We employ an experienced physician for his entire time, paying 
him a good salary out of our general fund. It is his duty to look 
after the general health of the church membership, especially those 
who are unable to employ a physician or of any one whose church 
preference is with us — give free lectures once per month at least 
on home sanitation and personal hygiene — he has his office here in 
rooms off the dispensary." 

"Are all the church members expected to patronize him?" 

"No, they may choose whom they wish at any time, but most of 
our members patronize him although abundantly able to employ 
any physician." 

"These doors open into the auditorium gallery, and this is the 
women's employment office." 

"Entering the vestibule, we have two committee rooms before us." 

"Let us walk up the stairway as I wish you to notice the paneled 
landing with a scene from the life of Christ painted thereon — the 
different stairways have the paneled landings with different scenes 
in the life of Christ ranging from His early childhood to His 
ascension." 

"This is the woman's floor which is also the social center for the 
young ladies who are servants." 

"Wait here a moment till I get Mrs. Spencer, our experienced 
matron." 

"Mrs. Spencer, this is my friend, Mr. Young." 

"I am glad to meet you, Mr. Young." 

"I am glad to know you, Mrs. Spencer." 

"Mrs. Spencer, can you spare the time to show us over your 
domain ?" 

"I am always ready to do what I can- for you and any of your 
friends." 

"We have nineteen bedrooms on this floor — one for our domestic 
science teacher, one for our arts and crafts teacher, one for our 
sewing and millinery teacher, and the remaining sixteen are for the 
young ladies who are our efficient help in our homes during the 
day." 

"This is Miss Jessie Walker's room. While we furnish each 
room with a good bed, a dresser, a chiffonier, a small table, easy 
chairs and a few good pictures, each young lady has the privilege 
of fixing up her room as she likes." 

"Each young lady plans a decorative scheme for her own room 
from her own original design. Harmony of color, appropriateness 
of design and cost of same are all considered by her teacher before 



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FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 185 

she may use it. Notice the individuaUty and good taste in Miss 
Walker's design." 

"If we had the time to inspect each bedroom you would see no 
two alike in design." 

"This is the Camp Fire Girl's room. This movement is very 
popular with the girls of our church, and through their efforts many 
additions to the church have been made." 

"This is the Willing Workers' room. Here they meet to discuss 
plans for the saving and protection of all girls and women with 
whom they meet." 

"This is the sewing and millinery room and the one adjoining is 
the arts and crafts room. Here the young ladies of our church, 
the young ladies who reside here, and all who may desire are taught 
sewing, art, needlework, millinery, personal adornment, costume 
designing, testing cloth to determine whether it is silk, cotton, linen 
or wool, china painting from original designs, house construction 
and furnishing, decorative schemes for various rooms, showing 
appropriateness of design and harmony of color in the selection of 
rugs, furniture, wall paper or painted walls," 

"Courses in home management, economy of time and money, home 
nursing, baby hygiene, child study and training, personal hygiene 
and home recreation are, also, given, using the nursery and model 
chamber as well as the rooms on this floor." 

"Our women guests may have the use of the sewing machines 
for their private use, and may take lessons in any of the courses 
with the regular classes." 

"Here is the library and reading room and this is our parlor. 
Here the young ladies may receive their gentlemen, friends, and so 
are not forced to meet them in public places or upon the streets — 
they may also use this beautiful open court, and thus be without 
the restraint usually found when in the presence of others — in fact, 
their social intercourse resembles that found in a cultured, refined 
home since the parlor and open court are furnished with a fine piano, 
games, magazines, daily papers, beautiful paintings and flowers." 

"The young ladies are in a basket-ball league with the young ladies 
of our sister churches. The games are largely attended by their 
mistresses and their friends." 

"We will enter our model dining room from the court, and this is 
our model kitchen." 

"The courses in cooking are planned for practical use." 

"The cookery classes are divided into groups of fours who are to 
plan a menu of not less than three courses, market, cook and serve 
a breakfast, a luncheon and a dinner at sometime during the year 



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.111(1 .'ire pcniiilU'd lo invite four lo six ,l,mics1s. Tlicy arc to fill llic 
lK»!.ili()ii of lioslcss :\\ s(MiK' linio duiiiif; llir year." 

"Sonic <>l Ilic lopus lo Ik' slndii'd arc llic nnlrilivc properties of 
prolcids, ( aiholiydratcs and fats — tlio licat values of various foods 

teslini; food for snl|)liides, hen/oale ol soda, and coal-tar dyes — 
testiii}; milk for j^clatin and foi nialdcliy<le tcslini; water for organic 
impurities and for lead llic removal of stains and grease spots — 
the various mclliods of licalini;. liiililiiiL;. and venlilalion the elTcct 
of li.ulil upon hai tciia the sjuead of disease hy Hies and mosquitoes 
^ tin- prcvcniion of epidemics labor-saving devices in the homes 
.iiid .m\' topu dial will make the younj:: ladies more ellicient as 
li< >mc inakci s." 

"Ml. N onni^, what do \<>n lliink ol our work lor the yonni; wtuncn 
ol (Mil i ionic :'" 

"Miss W iIsoii. 1 ha\c heen followini; Mrs. Spencer's outlines of 
llic work done, and ohservinij the ditlerent rooms with their fur- 
iii:.lnn;;s and c(|mpmciil willi amazement at the wonderful things 
the Ihmic is doiiii; for the N'onni^ women who go out lo service — - 
how (lill«Mciit Ihey must hecoine and if all the young women in our 
land ucic instructed as Mrs. .Spencer has oul lined there would he 
fcwci liomc'. wlicic llic hushand and sons would he lound seeking 
the saloons, pool halls or loafinj; in some (|ucslionahle place of 
amiiscmcnl also. lhc\- would he mmh more prosperous because of 
llicii kiiowlcdi;c m home maiiai;cmciil and how to shop cconom- 
u.illv" 

"That is all vcm hue. Mr. N'oung. and thai is whv we have 
organized classes hcu> in oni llome because so many ol (»ui young 
women aiitl inolhci'. lia\c not had nor {\{) tliev now have the chaiu'c 
ol taking up this work in most ol the schools ol our land, but it 
their scIkmiI has such a depaitment many of them could not gn 
because they aic needed at hoiiu* (U must go out to service." 

"1 should ihink that the knowledge of the things you are teachings 
licic in your llome would make the young ladies much more valuable 
help and I have observed that there is a crying need of help in all 
depailmcnis i)\ life's work who know how to iU'> things." 

"It seems lo me that all voung women would want to take this 
work since it givcvs I hem skilled expenence in the line in which at 
least eij^hlN li\c \)cv cent are destined to follow that of mothers 
and home keepers." 

" rii.il IS .ill line. Mr. N'ouiig. but we h.ave made nnich improve- 
ment .iloiii; these lines with our ("linrch llome women, and .are 
workins; to m.ike c\civ home .in ideal one bv having ilelmite lunns 



Fia<NWOOI) COMMUNITY ( I^N'H'J^: 1.S7 

for (lifferciil lines of work willi rest periods, .iiid the liolid.iys ii ii.illy 
^\vv\\ ill oilier lines of work with p.iy foi overtime." 

"I'y llms standardizing the work and pay, and i)i-ovi<lin^^ ^,l('(■|)ill^ 
rooms ont of the home, housework will heeome a dijj;nilied voeation 
that will attiaet all (lasses of youu^ women." 

"We have many caHs for our trained youn^ women for service 
in the homes of oni" (lunch mcnihers." 

"Mrs. S|)encer, I wish to thank you for your kindness in showing; 
Mr. Youn^ the rooms, and ex|>lainiii,i^ to liim what you are doing 
for our young women." 

"No thanks neede(l, Miss Wilson. It is a |)leasure to serve yoti 
and your friends at any time." 

"1 thank you for youi- kindness. Yon have a wonderful work, 
and I assure yon that yon will he rewarded many fold foi' direetinjj^ 
yo\n" charges into a more useful and hetter life." 

"Thank you, Mr. Young. I am trying lo do my hesl for our 
youn)4 women." 

"T>very room, hall and stairway that T have seen so far seem 
lo he suggestive of a hetter life." 

"Mr. Yonnj^, we wTsh to impress our guests of the life to come 
through |)leasant surroundings, and thor.e things that will suggest the 
still small voice of the Master." 

"Wc will now visit the men's ilooi." 

"Here is the manager's room." 

"Ciood afternooji, Mr. Shaw." 

"( iood afternoon, Miss Wilson. I .on very glad to have you with 
us ag.'iin. Some of our guests have heen asking me when they would 
have the pleasure of seeing you." 

"Mr. Shaw, |)ermit me to introduce you to my friend. Mi". Young." 

"Mr. Young, Mr. Shaw." 

"I am glad to know you, Mr. Shaw." 

"I am glad to knovv' you, Mr. Young, and to have you know that 
any friend of Miss Wilson is douhly welcome liere." 

"Mr. Shaw, will you please show ns over your floor so that M |-. 
Young may see its arrangement and its convenience foi- taking care 
of your guests?" 

"With pleasure, hnl lei me look over our rej^ister so as to see 
what rooms are vacant. I (ind that nuniher two is va<anl. W.'dk 
in, Mr. Yoiuig, and see if you would he satished to o(cupy it for 
tlie niglit or longer if you expected to remain." 

"Mr. Sh.'iw, I would consent to remain with you indefinitely if T 
could have such a room all the time. Are all tlie hedrooms fin"- 
nished as well as this one?" 



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FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 189 

"Yes, Mr. Young. We know no favorites here for in the sight 
of God one man is just as good as another although he may not 
wear as good clothes or have as good an education." 

•'This room is well furnished, and has a more home-like atmo- 
sphere than those of most hotels." 

'T am glad to hear you say so as we wish to have our rooms 
good enough for any one." 

"Suppose an unfortunate brother, who is ragged and dirty, comes 
in, and wishes lodging would you permit him to occupy one of these 
fine, clean beds?" 

"We never turn a man away because of his condition, but we 
send him to the shower baths, and supply him with a clean gown 
before he is permitted to occupy one." 

"Do you ever find a man who refuses to take a bath thinking 
that you are too particular?" 

"No. In fact all men delight to take shower baths whenever they 
have the chance, and then when we show a man his room for the 
night with its fine bed of spotless linen and beautiful surroundings, 
and tell him where to find the bath room, he wishes to take the 
bath without urging him to do so." 

"Here at our left is the room for our night school, a little farther 
up the hall is the writing room on our right and across the hall from 
it is our parlor." 

"You notice that it is furnished as well as any home parlor need 
be with its fine piano player, also, victrola, paintings, easy chairs, 
couches, and tables with the latest papers and magazines." 

"Do you see the two men playing checkers over there in the 
corner?" 

"I do, Mr. Shaw." 

"They are traveling salesmen and members of the Gideons, a 
Christian organization of traveling men who put religion into their 
business as well as business into their religion." 

"The man at the left was an unfortunate brother less than sixty 
days ago. The one at the right became interested in his brother — 
saw that he was converted — found him a similar position with his 
firm and now he is doing well — they both room and lunch with us 
when in the city." 

"Passing down the hall we come to the recreation room. Here you 
will find all the simpler pieces of apparatus for light exercising — 
you see there several men exercising now." 

"Boys, here is Miss Wilson. How are you and where have you 
been for so long a time?" 

"Now boys, who's all right?" 



190 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Miss Wilson is all right, Mr, Brown. Escort her to the lunch 
room, and we will all follow and have ice cream and cake followed 
by a talk from Miss Wilson after which we will take one of Mr. 
Shaw's cups of good coffee which invigorates but never intoxicates." 

*'No, gentlemen, I can't spare the time now as I wish my friend, 
Mr. Young, to finish seeing your beautiful Home before the evening 
program begins. I will give you a talk tomorrow afternoon just 
after the basket-ball game in your parlor or on the roof garden." 

"Gentlemen, permit me to introduce to you, Mr. Young, and I 
wish you would all meet him after the talk." 

"Good for you. Miss Wilson. We will be on hand, and will be 
pleased to meet your friend." 

"Mr. Young, we trust that you will enjoy your visit to our Home 
and admire it as much as we do?" 

"Thank you, gentlemen, I think I will." 

"Perhaps you do not know that Miss Wilson did more in giving 
us this elegant Home than any one else connected with its erection." 

"Miss Wilson, may God still pour out His choicest blessing upon 
you is the prayer of all of us." 

"Thank you, gentlemen. My prayers are for you every day that 
you may be kept faithful to the end, and at last inherit the crown 
prepared for you." 

"Come, Mr. Shaw, we must be going." 

"This is our library and reading room." 

"We will pass to the other side of the floor through our restaurant 
and lunch room." 

"Mr. Young, notice that our food is confined to pure, nutritious, 
wholesome articles prepared in a tempting manner, also, that the 
room is beautifully decorated with fine paintings and pictures while 
from this large window we may see Blue River as it flows onward 
to the ocean." 

"That is a fine view of good, old Blue river." 

"Mr. Shaw, Blue river flows through Fernwood community, Mr. 
Young's old home so no wonder he admires its beauties, but I be- 
lieve that he will admire it still more from the roof garden." 

"As a rule, we have good music for the boys and many others 
who honor us with their presence at the evening dinner hour." 

"Mr. Young, I would be pleased to have you and Miss Wilson 
as my guests at our evening dinner tomorrow after Miss Wilson's 
talk." 

"We will accept your kind invitation with pleasure, and since it 
is nearly time for lunch, we will take the elevator for the first floor 
and will look over the roof garden and basement some other time." 



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192 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw, for your kindness." 

"No thanks needed here, Mr. Young, as it is the spirit of the 
Home to be of service to any one and consider it a privilege and a 
pleasure." 

"We w^ill not say good-by, Mr. Shaw, as we will be here to- 
morrow, but bid you good evening." 

'T like that expression much better, Miss Wilson,, so I will say 
good evening and may God's blessings rest upon you." 

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw, and may I always prove worthy of them." 

"Mr. Young, we will occupy box one for our lunch room as it 
is next to the entrance, and where we may observe, and hear all 
that occurs that may be of interest to us." 

"Please excuse me while I look after our lunch." 

"While we have menu cards from which to select our lunch, I 
thought that you would like to have me make our selection. I took 
the liberty of doing so because I wish you to partake of some of 
the dishes that were prepared by the young ladies of the cookery 
classes. It will be brought and served by the Misses Julia Perce 
and Anna Stone." 

"I wish you to notice the peculiar construction of our boxes and 
their furnishings." 

"The floor is raised so that we may see the stage, but the peculiar 
feature is that the front of the box may be closed by frosted glass 
doors that have a narrow strip of clear glass so that we may see 
without being seen, and with a beautiful piece of scroll work above 
the doors so that we may hear all that is said from the stage. We 
have easy chairs, tables for lunches, and have the paneled walls 
covered with beautiful paintings from natural scenery." 

"What is the object of having the front view so arranged?" 

"We often have men and women brought in, who are not accus- 
tomed to good society of late years, by our workers or by one of 
their friends who has become converted, and who tells them that 
they may see and hear without being seen." 

"Then when the workers get them in, they send word to the res- 
taurant to have a good wholesome lunch with a cup of good coffee 
brought to their box — another worker brings and serves the lunch 
so as to be ready to aid in case of needed help if the man shows any 
interest in a better life." 

"You certainly understand how to get one interested — first, you 
feed the brute nature of man getting it to feel comfortable — then 
you entertain the real man through the senses of sight and hearing 
until he comes to the conclusion that there is a much better life than 
the one that he has been living." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 193 

"That is all true, Mr. Young, and when he comes to realize his 
condition by means of the contrast between his associates and modes 
of living, and our associates and modes of living, the rest is com- 
paratively easy as a usual thing." 

"We then take them to our Social assembly room and labor with 
them, and we seldom fail in having them give their hearts to God." 

"If they have no home or place to go except to their old haunts, 
we take them to Mr. Shaw who sees that they have a room, a good 
breakfast, and then introduces them to some of the boys who were 
once without the fold themselves." 

"The boys look after them — take them to the reading and recrea- 
tion room, and to the parlor for entertainment, also the swimming 
pool and bowling alley — the boys continue to look after them until 
they feel that they are strong enough to resist the temptations that 
their old modes of living presented to them." 

"What do you do for the unfortunate women? You certainly 
would not let them shift for themselves?" 

"No, we turn them over to Mrs. Smith, and the Willing Workers 
who look after them in much the same manner as Mr. Shaw and his 
help do for the men." 

"If they do not have employment or employment in which they 
may live a Christian life, we find them good positions, and our 
workers still look after them for we feel that we must never let go 
of a man or woman, if our work is to be the success it should be in 
the salvation of human souls." 

"Here comes our lunch, thanks to the kindness of Misses Perce 
and Price." 

"Miss Perce, this is my friend, Mr. Young." 

"I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Young." 

"This is Miss Price, Mr. Young." 

"I am glad to know you, Mr. Young." 

"I am very glad to meet your friends. Miss Wilson, and doubly 
so since they have brought us such a delightful repast. From what 
Miss Wilson has been telling me, I suppose that some of these dishes 
are of your preparing?" 

"Thank you, Mr. Young, for your kind words, but we fear that 
Miss Wilson is somewhat partial." 

"Not at all, young ladies. You do not get enough words of praise 
for the good work that you are doing. You may go now, but bring 
us the dessert in about twenty minutes." 

"This is a remarkable institution, Miss Wilson, and I don't won- 
der at the loyalty manifested by each one, and the interest that is 
taken in the work in every department." 



194 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

**Our guests seeing that we are really interested, not only in their 
temporal, but also, their spiritual welfare, are led to believe in us as 
Christians, therefore, they have come to believe that what we are 
doing for them is for their best interest in every way, and so they are 
working with us for the salvation of lost souls — each one of them 
having felt that warm, vital touch of human sympathy which pre- 
vades our Home, is filled with love for his fellows, and thus the 
good work goes on." 

*T see that the auditorium is being rapidly filled with the fathers 
and mothers as well as by the children and young people." 

"The fathers and mothers of our church here in Springfield feel 
that if the children are to become Christians, not simply church 
members, they must, 'Train up a child in the way he should go : and 
when he is old, he will not depart from it,' and so they are always 
trying to be living examples of Christ's love to man at all times, 
especially before their children — they are never 'weary m well doing' 
for their children's good and so they are always ready to take part in 
all their social activities as well as for their spiritual welfare." 

"The program tonight is an illustrated talk by our pastor, Rev. 
Richard Hutchinson, upon Jesus as a child, as a man, and His work 
among the people, interspersed with illustrated songs and ending 
with the motion picture scene. His entrance into Jerusalem." 

"That pleases me veiy much as I have often wished to hear a talk 
about Jesus as you have outlined." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 195 

XXII. 
AN ENGAGEMENT 

THE NEW BIRTH 

Men need not die again to rise 
With resurrection in their eyes, 
If but the selfish spirit dies. 

We need not wait for birth above 
Some dreaming prophet tells us of, 
While we have hearts and men need love. 

Who thinks a thought for other men, 
Who lifts a brother's burden, then 
Is with his brother born again. 

A resurrection I behold 

More tender than the vision old 

Of skies of blue and harps of gold — 

No storied sphere, no fabled land — 

A resurrection here at hand 

The simplest soul can understand. 

The men are learning more and more 
The greater lesson, later lore, 
The thing they were created for. 

The new Idea, the broader birth. 
Turns tears to joy and pain to mirth; 
The new Idea girds the earth. 

We shall not rise who seek to rise 
For our own selves to sainted skies. 
While 'round about us sorrow lies. 

Nay, we shall rise by kneeling near 
Some brother soul with song of cheer — 
Shall rise by bringing heaven here. 

DOUGLAS MALLOCH. 

"Good afternoon, Miss Wilson." 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Young. Won't you come in?" 

"Thank you. I called to see if you v^ere ready to take the long 
deferred visit to Fernv^ood Park?" 

"You know that father has had the old, fern wood's pasture 
parked. Has had fine driveways made where needed — built a beau- 
tiful boathouse — bought several rowboats, also, a motor boat — built 



H)(> 



I'l'.KNWOOl) COMMUNI'IN ( I ,N I ICR 



.1 (onmiodioiis ;iiii|>lnllicatrc, and seated it witli opera rhaiis for all 
|Mir|»oses, es|te(ially for Sunday afternoon services hnilt several 
smaller l»nildinj;s llnou^Iionl llie I'arlv for rest rooms and pienie 
|). lilies ilowei Ix'ds wcic iii.kIc wIhm cnci IIicn wtiiild enliance the 
Iteaiih ol llie I'aik seals |»lace(l lu'ie and (here where ncedrd, and 
III Lit I nolliiii!; lias heen lell nndniie lliat woiiM aid in Itiiii^in;; ont 
llie iialiiial IkmiiIn oj llu- |>aiK." 

"Ml. \'«tnnj', I am sine llial il mnsi he a very heantilnl |)arl< for 
Ihe iialnral heanly ol Ihe Nuation with its dells, lividels, springs, 
Ihe jm-iiIIn llowin^ Hhie Kivei, Ihe old. loresl trees, the shrnhhery, 
and iIkmi llu- masses ol" line ferns tiom wliitli the jtark and eoin- 
imimlN i;c'| llicir names all these as a lonndation for Mr. ( iraliam, 
the landscape j^aidener, to work npon to make it as line as ycui will 
lm«l anywhere." 

" \ es, 1 will he Lilad to \j^i) with \nn, and will he reads' in a very 
'hoi I lime, so please excuse me." 

" I el me see. 1 helieve thai 1 will dress all in white for our ride 
so thai what few charms I inaN possess n\ay he hroni^ht otit more 
slroiifily hv Ihe contrast helwctMi my dress and the heantifnl, ^reen 
foliage of Ihe park." 

"I lo\ (' I'lank N'onuL', with all Ihe streni;lh of m\' heini;, and I am 
prayinj.; that he ma\' love me as 1 do him." 

"I helieve ihal iiin piayeis will he answeicd this hcanlilnl Sab- 
hath aftemoon. I know that he is the soul of honor, and may feel 
that I am not lo he won hy him hetanse of my wealth, and so will 
nol ask for mv hand and heart !" 

"I iu>p(- llial onr coiu ersation niay K'ad np to where I can show 
him that liu'u' is iniu h nunc to happiness than mere wealth. \\ eallh 
IS all I ii^lil w hen propei Iv used. Inil it cannot hm happiness, and since 
I am llu* I. Old's stewaid for the wealth Ihal 1 possess, I (\i^ nol see 
lhal it should stand in Ins wa\." 



"Mow I wish lliat Miss \\ ilsoii w iM r a poor. Nonni; woman. She 
has such a charminj^ way ahoiil Ium such a lovini^ personality, and 
with so many thinjjjs in ("omnion that I would i^ive everythini: that 
I possess if she were iii\' wife, hut that tan never he as she is \civ 
WCallliN. and {>{ coiiisc will wanl lo maii\' a wcmIiIin man. Slill 1 
tan't help wishinj; that she mii^ht look upon me with laviu" \ov 1 
know that no one i"an love her more fer\enll\ than 1, and then we 
could W(»ik lomMluM miu h hellci for tin* social nplitl ol i;ood. old 
h'ernwood. riiere seems lo lu* a fcclmj; in common some invisihie 
maiinel thai is <hawins' us loi'clhci more cIoscK' than mere Irieml- 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 197 

ship, cs|)cci,'illy when in her presence. It is sonielhing (hlTerent 
from anything that 1 have ever felt in the presence of any younj^'- 
lady so it must be that she reciprocates my feelings for her, l)ut still 
that may he only because of my desire to have her as my wife. 
It would be somclhing out of the usunl order in such matters for 
a rich, city, young woman to many an ordinary country boy, but 
still T pray that she may look with favor ui)on mc this beautiful 
afternoon." 

"I am ready, Mr. Young. This is certainly a beautiful day for a 
drive." 

"1 heartily agree with you. Shall we take our time or shall we 
go quickly to the park?" 

"Let us drive leisurely along so as to enjoy every mimite of our 
ride. T never tire (rf seeing the green grass, the gently waving, 
golden grain, the beautiful birds, and the sleek, well-fed cows as 
they browse in the shade of the trees or stand knee-deep in the clear, 
running waters of the creek as it flows onward to the river." 

"Your ])leasure is mine so I will drive slowly. What do you s.'iy 
to going by way of the Rocky (ilen road?" 

*M would enjoy the ride through the (lien very nuich indeed if you 
think tliat we will have plenty of time for our visit to the paik." 

"I think that we will have plenty of time as we will pass through 
without stoj)j)ing unless you may wish to do so." 

"Mr. Young, who wouldn't live in the country with such well-kept 
farms as we see along the road?" 

"I certainly do not wish to leave the old farm since we have our 
home modernized, also, with so many of our community buildings 
comj)lete(l and oui" social activities in full sway." 

"]^>rother Wm. (i. Johnson's home is just ahead of us. He has 
all the modern convetiiences for comfort, and the saving of labor 
in the home, in the farm buildings, and for farm work — then he 
keeps it on 'dress parade' at all times." 

"It surely is a fine place. I don't believe that he would want 
to leave it at any price?" 

"No, he will not sell, lie says that Fernwood is good enough 
for him since we have established our community center." 
"We turn to the right just beyond Mr. Johnson's home." 
"Isn't that a line view as we apj)roach the (jlen?" 
"It is, but what is that that looks like a large dome off on the 
highest hill?" 

"That is a large rock j^erched ui)on the to[) of the hill — it has a 
long, narrow base, and a large oblong top which can be reached 



198 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

only by a ladder — the top is large enough to seat one hundred people 
around the outer edge. There are some curious tales left us by the 
aborigines about this wonderful rock." 

"Tell me something of its history." 

"One story is that a young Indian chief of another tribe eloping 
with the beautiful daughter of the resident chief took refuge upon 
the top of the rock." 

"The father plead with his daughter to return home, and give up 
her lover, but she told him that she would throw herself headlong 
from the rock unless he would forgive and protect them." 

"How romantic. Did he repent?" 

"Yes, and through their marriage the two tribes entered into a 
treaty of peace that they would not go to war with each other so long 
as the sun, moon and stars should endure. They also entered into 
an agreement that one should help the other in case of war with 
another tribe. This agreement was kept inviolate so long as there 
were any of the tribes living, and it is said that their descendants, 
who were the last living members, took refuge upon the rock when 
defeated by their enemies, and starved themselves to death rather 
than surrender." 

"The Indians named the rock the Devil's Tea Table." 

"Why such a name?" 

"They couldn't account for such a large rock being upon the top 
of the hill except that the devil put it there, hence the name." 

"The Glen must be full of such romantic stories?" 

"We will pass near enough to see the Devil's Steps in a few 
minutes. You will see that a large slice of rock, which is about 
fifty feet high, has been separated from the main body of rock, some 
three feet, by some force of Nature. There are alternating ledges 
of the rock so arranged one above the other that we can go to the 
top of the rock by means of these steps by stepping from one side to 
the other." 

"The Indians gave the steps that name thinking that the devil 
caused the separation." 

"I could tell you other stories but we must notice the Glen's 
beauty at least as we pass along." 

"Mr. Young, wouldn't it be grand if the Glen were parked, and 
then connected with Fernwood Park by a fine drive?" 

"I understand it is for sale on very reasonable terms as the owner 
thinks of it as waste land fit only for a goat pasture." 

"Mr. Young, I wish that you would buy it for me. I will then 
employ Mr. Graham and Mr. Fisher to plan and superintend the 
parking and buildings so as to make it a fine counterpart of Fern- 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 199 

wood Park, and then connect them by a fine driveway along Blue 
River providing your father is willing." 

"He will be willing, I am sure." 

"The road turns to the right just before we leave the Glen, and 
passes along in sight of the river most of the way to the park." 

"That will give us a fine view of the river, and I suppose that 
the road runs through the forest all the way?" 

"Yes, and as you will notice, we cross two pretty, little streams." 

"They certainly are beautiful, and we can have pretty rustic 
bridges span them thus making the driveway more inviting." 

"We will soon be in sight of the park, and since we have a good 
lunch room there, we can remain as long as you may wish, and take 
our homeward ride by the light of the moon." 

"That will be to my liking, Mr. Young. Your father has done 
wonders, and the people must surely appreciate his efforts?" 

"They do, if patronizing it is any criterion. I think that we will 
see a large crowd there this afternoon. We usually have quite a 
few from Rochester. Sometimes the Rochester visitors bring either 
their band or a good orchestra with them. By the way, this is the 
afternoon for Miss Jeannette Calhoun, a prominent vocalist with 
the Rochester band to be with us in a sacred concert." 

"Our pastor's talk is to be on "The Beauties in Nature" and the 
lessons we may learn from her." 

"I am glad that you thought of your promises to bring me here 
sometime." 

"I have thought of my promise many times, and of the pleasure I 
would have in bringing you here, but my reason for waiting so long 
was that I wanted you to see the park in all its summer garb." 

"Here we are in sight of the park. What do you think of it now?" 

"What do I think of it? Please stop a minute or two so as to give 
my eyes a chance to take it all in." 

"Mr. Young, I did not believe that any man could improve on 
the natural growth of the trees and shrubbery of the grove, but by 
taking out a little here and adding a little there Mr. Graham has 
done wonders for the park, and if after we have gone over it, and 
find the changes made have been as well done as those I see from 
here, it is simply great — it is as pretty a park as I ever saw, and my 
greatest desire along the parking line is to make Rocky Glen the twin 
sister of Fernwood Park." 

"Listen ! The band is playing. We will drive slowly so as to 
hear it all." 

"Mr. Young, don't you think that band music is sweeter heard 
at a shorter distance with trees intervening?" 



200 FKRNWOOD COM M UNITY CICNTKR 

"T do. 1, also, think ihal llie hcaulifiil Christian airs played upon 
the line chimes, you so kindly gave to I'crnwood, that we hear gently 
wafted to ns on the evening l)reeze, are grand." 

"They cause nie to think more and more of Cod's goodness to men, 
and 1 know that 1 am a lictler man from hearing them. 1 have 
heard many of our jjeople, hoth young and old, say that they were 
very gratelul to nou." 

"Shall wc (hive slowl\' along the driveways over the park or seek 
some advantageous position for hcaiing the nmsic and our [)ast()r's 
talk? N'tinr pleasure is mine, Mi.ss Wilson." 

"I prefer to get into some goo*!, (piiet place where we can hear 
everything. We will have plenty of lime for our lunch and diive 
after the services since we are to go home my moonlight." 

"Doesn't Miss Calhoun render 'Nearer My God to Thee' exceed- 
ingly well? She seems to feel that she has a message for her 
audience, and so puts her soul into her singing." 

"Yes, Miss Wilson, 1 heaitil\ agiee with you. Miss Calhoun is a 
true, Cdnistian, Noung woman of unusual force, and so is idolized 
by all who know her foi- her many womanl\' (|ualities." 

"She has a hue, well-trained voice and is willing to use it at any 
time and place in the Master's service, and so she comes out to our 
Simday afternoon meetings (|uite often." 

"If we had more Miss Calhouns working for the Master, the 
world would he much hetlei off." 

"1 agiee with you, Mr. N'oung, but 1 notice that you and many 
other consecrated. Christian men are accomplishing great good for 
your fellow men." 

"That may all be true, but a consecrated, Christian woman can 
accomplish much more l)ecause a man will listen to such a woman, 
and will promise her to lead a better life when all too often, he will 
say to a man that he will think about it." 

"Mr. \'oung. see what \'ou have done, and arc dcMng for Pern- 
wood." 

''While I ha\e done what I could for h'ernwood, aiul am very 
willing to do more, I could not ha\e ilone but little if you had not 
been back of all my efforts with both your time and money so 1 say 
again that a i:^oo{\ woman can do nmch more for the good of any 
community, town, or city than a man however good he may be." 

"Since the jU'c^gram is over, we will drive leisurely around the 
park, and see it in all the beauty of a summer evening." 

"Very well, Mr. Young. I will not argue the question with you, 
but if T had not had the meatis. we couUl not have done nearly as 
much as we have." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 201 

"Money with us is doing great good for Fernwood, and I am not 
only willing, but am glad that I have the chance to invest it in the 
work of helping our boys and girls to a much better social life. 
It is the Lord's money after all, and I am only His steward." 

"That is all true as you look at it, but the world looks upon you 
as a very wealthy, young woman." 

"That may be true, but just the same it all belongs to the Lord 
and His cause, and I am happy in the thought that I have the 
disposition to use it for the betterment of humanity everywhere." 

"I have had several proposals from some of my young, gentlemen 
friends, but when I told them how I felt as to my fortune, they all 
with but one exception became lukewarm in their feelings toward 
me, and finally ceased their attentions in that direction, so I felt 
that my so called wealth was the chief attraction. The remaining 
one, when I put some plain questions to him relative to the single 
standard, could not measure up to my standard, so he has passed 
out of my life as a prospective husband." 

"So it seems that I am destined to remain as I am because of the 
barrier of wealth, and the failure to measure up to my ideals. While 
there may be many good men who believe only in a single standard, 
I know of but few." 

"State your beliefs along that line, Miss Wilson. You may know 
that there are many different views as to what should constitute the 
single standard." 

"You are correct. I may be somewhat radical in my views, but 
there is one thing that I shall insist upon, and that is that the man 
who wins me as his wife must come to me just as pure, true, and 
free from all social vices or otherwise as he expects me to come to 
him, and in addition must be a genuine Christian. I don't care 
whether he has a cent or not. It is the manly man with these 
qualifications who gets me or I remain single all my life." 

"Here is a beautiful rest room in a quiet nook. Let us stop here 
awhile." 

"With pleasure. Miss Wilson. There is old Jack-in-the-pulpit in 
the cleft above us." 

"Miss Wilson, I know of one man who loves you with all his being 
— loves you next to his Savior — loves you because of your many 
good qualities, and if you have any bad traits, loves you in spite of 
them although he knows nothing, but good of you, but there is one 
thing that has stood in his way of proposing to you." 

"Since I am the one directly interested, may I ask you who he is, 
and what is is one objection?" 

"His objection is that of your wealth." 



202 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"Mr. Young, I thought that I made it plain that money was not 
to be considered with me when my heart's interest was at stake. 
If I love a man that is all he needs to know, and if I am loved by him 
that should be sufficient for me to know, and neither one of us think 
of my money." 

"The world would say that you were married for your money." 

"While I desire the good opinion of every person, especially that 
of my friends, I am the one to determine whether I am being mar- 
ried for my money." 

"Miss Wilson, I can't help it, money or no money, I am the one 
who loves you with his whole being — loves you for yourself alone. 
I hope that you won't think me, a young country boy, presumptious 
in asking for the greatest prize on earth to him. I hope that you 
will not say no to my request. If you do not love me now as you 
say you must the man you marry — take a little time, perhaps you 
may learn to love me." 

"I do not need any time in deciding what my wishes are for I 
love you with all the intensity of feeling that I am capable of — 
love you more than tongue can tell — its you I love next to my 
Savior and my God." 

"Miss Wilson, Ruth, you have made me the happiest mortal on 
earth. I hope that you will not think me too familiar in calling you 
Ruth." 

"No, Frank, I do not. I do not see how you can be the happiest 
mortal on earth for I feel that I am, but I am willing to share the 
happiness with you." 

"Did you see and hear what was done, Mr. Jack?" 

"How could I help it." 

"You saucy Jack. Don't you repeat it to a single soul." 

"I won't. I would be ungrateful if I did." 

"How is that, Mr. Jack?" 

"It is this way. Mr. Young's father saved my life when some 
of the workmen were about to dig me up and cast me away. Since 
one good turn deserves another, I will not tell what I heard and 
saw." 

"That is good of you, Mr. Jack. We will come to see you quite 
often, won't we Frank?" 

"We surely will, Ruth." 

"We will go home whenever you are ready." 

"I am ready now, Frank, as I want to see father, mother and 
sister. You know that I have had no father and mother for a good 
many years so I am yearning to say father and mother, but the 
best thing to me now is your love." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 203 

''Drive slowly so that we may have each other as long as possible 
our first evening." 

'T shall be just as glad to do so as you are to have me. I never 
was so happy in all my life, and I pray that I may never cause you 
one heartache." 

'T have no fears on that score, and my greatest desire is to be a 
true, loving helpmeet to you so long as we are permitted to live 
together." 

"Amen to that, Ruth." 

"Frank, I am wondering what father, mother and sister will say 
as to your choice, and how I will be received by them?" 

"You need have no fears for I know that they will be as glad as 
can be, and will receive you with open arms and loving hearts." 

"Ruth, I can hardly realize that you are mine. I wonder what 
our people will think and say? Some may think that you could 
have done better than by becoming Mrs. Frank Young, the wife of 
a country boy." 

"It doesn't make any difference what any one thinks so long as I 
am perfectly satisfied, but I believe that there will not be one in the 
entire neighborhood but will be much pleased for they will now have 
me as Mrs. Frank Young, a permanent resident of Fernwood, and 
I know that they idolize you, my heart's desire." 

"Do you think that you will be perfectly satisfied to remain on the 
farm?" 

"Frank, I don't need to think. I know it. I would be contented 
to be anywhere with you. I do not see any reasons why there 
should be any change in my plans. We can conduct our lines of 
work just the same, and I think that we can do better work by aiding 
each other." 

"Shall we build us a home upon the school plant or upon the 
farm?" 

"I don't see why we should do either as I have a suite of rooms 
in the teachers' cottage, and we can live there just as well if that 
will suit you. I can then be with my work and conduct it as I 
have done all the past year." 

"Anywhere will suit me so long as I am with you, and you are 
perfectly satisfied and happy. As most of my work is nearby, it 
will not be out of my way as John looks after the chores now since 
I am devoting a good deal of my time of late to the school and com- 
munity interests." 

"Ruth, we are talking about our plans, but are overlooking the 
most important thing to my way of looking at it." 

"And pray what is that?" 



204 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

"We have not said anything about the date of our marriage — you 
know that is your privilege." 

"That may be, but I wish you to have something to say as to the 
date." 

"If it were left to me, I would say the earliest date agreeable to 
you." 

"Let me see. Since we have no closing period for our school 
work suppose we set some Saturday. Our people will all want to 
attend and that time will suit everyone, so let us set the time for 
eleven A. M. Saturday July tenth. Will that date suit you?" 

"Your wishes are law unto me." 

"No,Frank, there is going to be no law business upon my part. 
I will have nothing to do with you must do or you must not. It is 
going to be what is most acceptable and convenient to you with me." 

"Thank you, Ruth. I will do the same for you, and since you 
have suggested Saturday, July tenth, that is my wish." 

"I think our people will want to furnish us with a fine dinner, 
one that the country only can give, so if anyone mentions it to you, 
you use your pleasure in accepting it. Of course, mother will want 
to give the dinner, but she will be willing to give way to the com- 
munity because they feel that you belong to them." 

"We will let mother settle that, Frank, as it is immaterial to me 
whether there is a dinner given us. We always have plenty of good 
things to eat, but there is another thing that has not been mentioned 
and that is, shall we take a pleasure trip to points of interest or 
remain at home ? I believe that I would like to have you go with me 
to see some of the natural wonders and beautiful scenery of our 
land." 

"Have you ever traveled much, Frank?" 

"No, I have not, but I have often thought that I would Hke to do 
so as you know that I am a great lover of Nature." 

"I have been to nearly all the resorts worth seeing so if you wish, 
I will plan our honeymoon trip." 

"What say you to spending most of our time in some quiet out-of- 
the-way place? I know of several such places where we can hunt, 
fish and boat to our heart's content. It may seem selfishness on my 
part, but I want you and you only for company." 

"That will be just to my liking as I am accustomed, but little to 
large crowds and since you wxre brought up in the city, I supposed 
that you would wish to go to some of the large, fashionable resorts 
that you have been accustomed to visit?" 

"We will spend a few days at two or three of them where we will 
meet some of my old society acquaintances, and also to give you a 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 205 

chance to meet some of my real friends. Society frivolities never 
did appeal to me, and so I always preferred some quiet nook with a 
few congenial friends where we could have a real rest." 

'T am glad that you prefer the quiet spots — as they are usually 
found near the prettiest scenery. As to meeting your society 
friends, won't they think that you have taken an overgrown country 
boy to raise when they see me, and see that I am not accustomed to 
fashion's dictum?" 

"Listen to me, Frank. You must not be so sensitive about being 
from the country — being from the country does not bar one from 
appearing well in any society." 

"You know enough of social etiquette to appear well anywhere 
without devoting all your time to fashionable society requirements 
— you dress well enough for any gathering without having to spend 
the most of your time studying fashion plates as so many of our 
society men do, and too many of them do so at the expense of their 
tailor — you are generous-hearted without any of the social vices, 
but best of all you are a genuine Christian young man who devotes 
much of your time in helping to make your community one in which 
the good people delight to dwell." 

"Frank, I am proud of you so please do not give yourself further 
thought about my society friends, in fact, I know that I will be 
envied by all the young ladies, and complimented by both ladies and 
gentlemen on my choice." 

"Very well, my heart's desire, I will do as you say. Here we are 
at home." 

"Ruth, perhaps you do not know how happy I am to be able to 
say our home." 

"Yes, Frank, I do as I have had the longing to hear you say our 
home ever since I first visited you." 

"Mother, father, here is a little orphan girl who has no father 
and mother, and wishes you were her father and mother — can you 
accommodate her?" 

"I can, son, if your mother is willing, but I wish she were my 
real daughter." 

"All right, son, I think that I understand you, and I am very, 
very thankful that you have won such a treasure." 

"I shall take her to my heart, and mother her just the same as I 
do Agones and you." 

"Oh ! I am so happy to know that I am to have a mother once 
more." 

"So that is the way the wind is blowing. I supposed that you 



2o6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

would want to marry a wealthy man. While Frank has a good 
home with plenty to keep the wolf from the door, he has no wealth." 

"Father, I have more money than I can use, in fact, I cannot use 
my income on my living expenses, but I wish to say that Frank 
Young is wealthier than I counting my property and I would not 
give him up for all my wealth — no nor for all that the world pos- 
sesses." 

"How can that be?" 

"He is a genuine Christian with all the nobility of character that 
but very few men possess, and so I feel that I am the gainer so please 
do not mention my wealth as we love each other for ourselves and 
for ourselves alone, and we will devote our lives and wealth in help- 
ing to make right conditions for our community, and the aiding of 
our fellow men everywhere." 

"Thank God for such a daughter." 

**Son, congratulations." 



XXHI. 
THE WEDDING 

FOLKS NEED A LOT OF LOVING 

Folks need a lot of loving in the morning; 

The day is all before, with cares beset — 

The cares we know, and they that give no warning; 

For love is God's own antidote for fret. 

Folks need a lot of loving at the noontime — 
In the battle lull, the moment snatched from strife — 
Halfway between the waking and the croontime. 
While bickering and worriment are rife. 

Folks hunger so for loving at the nighttime. 
When wearily they take them home to rest — 
At slumber-song and turning-out-the-light time — 
Of all the times for loving, that's the best! 

Folks want a lot of loving every minute — 
The sympathy of others and their smile! 
^Till life's end, from the moment they begin it. 
Folks need a lot of loving all the while. 

STRICKLAND GILLILAN. 

The morning of Saturday, July tenth finally arrived in all its glory. 

There had been a fine shower a few days before clearing the air 
and vegetation from all the accumulated dust and grime so this 
morning everything appeared in a new dress of living green. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 207 

Here and there, the beautiful flowers gave a touch of color that 
enhanced the beauty of the green foliage — the many birds were 
chanting their morning songs to their Creator — the people of Fern- 
wood began their morning chores so as to get them out of the way 
as soon as possible for the greatest event the community had ever 
experienced when suddenly the chimes rang out upon the morning 
air, ''Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace, Good Will 
Toward Men." 

All the people quietly lifted their hearts in silent prayer for God's 
kindness to them in permitting their beloved teacher to become one 
of them. 

Before long, the people began to wend their way towards the 
Center so as to complete all the preparations for the wedding and 
the wedding dinner which was to be served in the Arts building at 
the fair grounds as the auditorium dining room would be very much 
too small for the entire community, and many of Miss Wilson's 
friends from Springfield and Rochester who would be present. 

So with loving hearts and willing hands the final preparations 
began. Every one must have a hand in doing something for their 
loved ones so it did not take long to have everything in readiness as 
most everything had been in preparation for the past two or three 
days. 

At eleven A, M. the chimes rang out the wedding march. The 
bride and bridegroom left the teachers' cottage preceded by Agnes 
Young as maid of honor and Hugh Hart as best man, and ten young 
ladies and ten young gentlemen as an escort. Several of the younger 
boys and girls strewed flowers along the pathway to the church. 

As they entered the church doors, the big, pipe organ, the gift of 
Miss Wilson, took up the wedding march. 

On reaching the altar. Miss Spencer sang "O Promise Me" while 
Rev. Theodore Jones, their beloved pastor, read the marriage cere- 
mony and pronounced them man and wife. 

The big, pipe organ and the chimes now began peal upon peal of 
joyful music. 

Congratulations being over, the wedding procession began to 
slowly wend its way to the Arts building. On reaching the curbing 
in front of the church lawn, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young were invited 
to enter a fine, new carriage with Miss Agnes Young and Mr. Hugh 
Hart — the carriage being decorated for the occasion with Mrs. 
Young's favorite flowers, roses and carnations. 

Two of the young men between the shafts and the remainder of 
the gentlemen escort taking hold of ropes which were wrapped with 
flowers and with the young ladies of the escort guarding the sides 



2o8 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

and rear of the carriage, the procession started on its way to the 
Arts building. All the people fell in behind the carriage with its 
escort, and so the happy journey through life began. 

On arriving at the Arts building Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young, Miss 
Young and Mr. Hart were conducted to a raised platform where a 
table was prepared with all the good things that the country only 
can give and were waited upon by two young ladies of the cookery 
class. 

Around another table upon the same platform sat Mr. and Mrs. 
J. W. Young, the father and mother of the groom, and Rev. and 
Mrs. Theodore Jones, Fernwood's beloved pastor and wife. 

Tables were arranged in such a manner as to seat the entire com- 
munity with the visiting friends from the cities given positions of 
honor. 

Fifty young ladies and young gentlemen of the community served 
as waiters, and in turn were waited upon by several of the fathers 
and mothers. 

After a blessing by the pastor, and amid the bandying and repartee 
from the happy throng the dinner was eaten. 

The dinner being over. Rev. Jones, the toastmaster, arose and ad- 
dressed the happy throng as follows : "Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young, 
ladies and gentlemen : It gives me great pleasure on this happy oc- 
casion to say a few words in commendation of this ideal marriage. 
Mr. Frank Young, whom to know is to love, is a young man whose 
reputation and character is above reproach. He has one of those 
jovial dispositions that bubbles over with innocent, fun loving pleas- 
ures, but still can be dignity itself when needed — he has no vices, 
but still migles with his fellows, and by example plays his part in 
the social uplift without offense to any one, but above all else, he is 
a true Christsian, one who lives it every day." 

"As to his helpmate all who know her love her. She has such a 
charming personality that all seem to anticipate her every wish and 
hasten to grant it. She has done more for the general uplift of the 
community than I or any one else, but without ostentation on her 
part. She is a genuine Christian despite the social surroundings of 
her city life, and devotes not only much of her time in bringing souls 
into the Master's fold, but gives very liberally of her means toward 
the betterment of mankind." 

"Standing, and with this pure, sparkling water, let us drink to their 
health and prosperity, and that they may live to a ripe old age in the 
Master's service." 

"Mrs. Young spent most of her life amid the temptations, and so 
called pleasures of fashionable society in her native city." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 209 

"Miss Grace Reeder, of Springfield, will respond to the toast, Mrs. 
Young as a fashionable, society lady." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, Mr. and Mrs. Young, ladies and gentlemen: 
You have asked me to tell you what I know about Mrs. Young as a 
fashionable, society lady." 

'T will say in the beginning that Mrs. Young never was what might 
be termed a fashionable, society lady. She never would attend any 
social functions devoted entirely to card playing or dancing and 
never would dance at any of our coming out parties nor drink wine 
at any of our dinners or banquets. She would never stay up till 
the early, morning hours, therefore, was always ready for her daily 
duties of helping others to play their part in making the world better. 
She is a genuine Christian, and always gave us to understand that 
her Christian duties came before social pleasures in such a charming 
manner that no one could take offense. Her lovable ways won every 
one and they always became her friends, and we felt that her pres- 
ence at any of our social functions was an honor. She was my dear- 
est friend, and if in any trouble, I always went to her for advice and 
comfort, and I never came away empty handed." 

'T wish to congratulate Mr. Young on winning the sweetest, 
purest, and best young lady of my acquaintance, and the community 
in gaining a resident who is pure gold." 

"We have with us one of Mrs. Young's young gentleman friends 
from Springfield who will respond to the toast. What the young men 
of Springfield think of Mrs. Young." 

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Rudolph Barton." 
Mr. Toastmaster, Mr. and Mrs. Young, ladies and gentlemen: I 
have been assigned a very delicate topic, but if Mr. Young will par- 
don me, I will say that all the young men of our set were very much 
in love with his talented wife." 

"While she never would permit smoking, card playing and dancing 
in her home, and always tabooed society gossip, we were glad to 
accept invitations to her beautiful home because she always gave us 
such delightful entertainments that we went home feeling that it 
was good to be there — that we were better men for being in her 
presence." 

"It might have been possible for some one of our set to have won 
her hand and heart if we could have measured up to her standard — 
to her ideals, but we thought that she was like most of the young 
ladies of our set and learned, when too late, what a great jewel we 
had lost." 

"Whenever she had occasion to refuse us, she would do so in that 



2IO FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

kindly way of hers, and still remained our good friend always trying 

to have us become Christians." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, to show you what the young men of our set 

think of Mrs. Young, I will present to her this beautiful, gold lined, 

silver tea set with our compliments, and with the request that she 

will always remember us in her prayers." 

"We have implicit confidence in her as' a pure, true Christian and 

if all the young ladies of our land were to adopt her standard and 

ideals, there isn't a particle of doubt on which side we would be 

found." 

"Mrs. Young, on behalf of the young men of our set, we trust that 

you will accept this tea set as a slight memento of our regards for 

you and may you always remain the same gracious, sympathetic, 

Christian woman." 

"Mr. Young, we congratulate you upon winning such a jewel." 
"Mrs. Young was Hart's Grove principal of schools for two years." 
"Rev. George Shipp, Hart's Grove pastor, will respond to the 

toast, Mrs. Young's work at Hart's Grove." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, Mr. and Mrs. Young, ladies and gentlemen: 
It gives me much pleasure to add a few words of praise for the great 
work done by Mrs. Young in Hart's Grove." 

"She came to us when we were in great need. Our community 
felt that something must be done in the interest of our young people 
who were hungering and thirsting for the social life with their kind." 

"Mrs. Young, who is just as sensible as she is gracious, took up 
the work of organizing our community for the social uplift that we 
stood so much in need of, and by her gentle speech, genial, and 
happy disposition accomplished wonders in the two, short years that 
she was with us." 

"Being adorned with the graces of a lovely heart which goes out 
in sympathy to those in need of help, she has been the means of 
making our home life brightly beautiful." 

"She led us all in right paths not only by what she did but more 
by what she was to such an extent that her impress upon our people 
will never be effaced by time." 

"Our boys and girls do not wish to leave the old homes now since 
we have all those things which go to make life worth the living, 
thanks to her wisdom." 

"It is not necessary for me to enumerate in detail all the many 
things that she did or was instrumental in having us do for com- 
munity betterment, but let me say in conclusion that she is a great 
soul, noble in heart, and a child of the King." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 211 

"Brother Young, you are to be congratulated in having such an 
ideal wife for your helpmate, and may God's choicest blessing rest 
upon each one of you." 

"Mrs. Young, on behalf of the parents and friends of Hart's 
Grove, I present you this fine victrola, and on behalf of our young 
people, I present to you this beautiful set of silverware, and may 
they always be a gentle reminder of our great love to you." 

" 'They will say of you, my gentle lady, 
Your heart is love and kindness' throne. 
And it becomes you to confer it 
On him who gave you all his own.' " 

"Brother Wm. G, Johnson will respond to the toast, Mr. and Mrs. 
Frank Young." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young, ladies and gentle- 
men : It is not only a pleasure, but also, a privilege to add to the good 
things said about this ideal couple." 

"Since the other speakers have dwelt principally with Mrs. Young, 
I will add my few words of praise mostly in favor of Mr. Young." 

"Most of you know that Frank Young was born and grew up in 
Fernwood, and you, also, know of his many good qualities. If he 
has any bad habits, I do not know of them." 

"His early training was given him by his loving, Christian mother 
supplemented by that of his father so he could not have been other- 
wise if he had the desire." 

"She placed God first in her daily duties, and her children knew it, 
and so Frank grew up under her wise supervision to be a pure, strong. 
Christian young man, the loving companion of his father, mother 
and sister — the chum of the neighborhood boys and the idol of the 
community." 

"He has probably done more for his own community than any 
one else." 

"It was through his initiative that Fernwood has its Center. Then 
he and his humanity-loving wife in connection with our beloved 
pastor and others became strong factors toward making Fernwood 
the spiritual, social, educational and economic center a reality." 

"Realizing as never before that they being their brother's keeper, 
and that money-making should not be the aim and end of all life, 
entered the work of community betterment with all earnestness and 
zeal at their command." 

"Mr, and Mrs. Frank Young have given their lives and means 
to this great work, and are constantly studying our needs, and never 



212 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

seem to be weary in well doing. Their hearts go out in sympathy 
and love to all those who are heart-hungry for kind words." 

"Mrs. Young, on behalf of your loving friends in Fernwood, I pre- 
sent you this check for one hundred, fifty dollars. You may invest 
it in a beautiful bed room set or in something else if you prefer to 
do so." 

"Mr. Young, on behalf of your loving friends, I present you this 
beautiful gold watch." 

"In conclusion, I will say with Gerald Massey, 

'We just shake hands at meeting 

With many that come nigh; 
We nod the head in greeting 
To many that go by — 

But welcome through the gateway 

Our old friends and true; 
Then hearts leap up, and straightway 
There's open house for you, 

Old friends, 
There's open house for you!' " 

"We have in Fernwood several Irish who are good citizens, and 
who are playing their part loyally towards its uplift, although not 
members of our church." 

"Mr. Tom Murphy will respond to the toast, What the Irish think 
of Mr. and Mrs. Young." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young, ladies and gintle- 
men : It gives me much pleasure to say a good worrud about me 
Frankie boy and his good woife. I know that he is the best boy in 
Fernwood not barrin' Mickey. I niver knew him to do a mean trick 
in all me loife, and that is more than you can say of most boys." 

"He will walk further and lose more sleep to help a neighbor in 
sickness or distress than any one that I know of." 

"In selecting a mate with whom he is to travel through loife, he 
has shown good judgment accordin' to my way of lookin' at it for 
Mrs. Young is a true Christian woman if we are to judge by her 
worruk." 

"Now, while I gave to the other presents, to show you what the 
Irish think of them, I wish to make an individual present to them 
for what they have done for me and mine." 

"Mrs. Young, when you go home,send Frank out to milk Blossom, 
my best Jersey cow. I give her to you with our compliments, and 
may you niver die young although you are Young." 

"Ladies and gentlemen : There have been a good many things said 
about Mr. Frank Young that may and ought to be said about all 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 213 

young men, and from present appearances the boys and young men 
of our community are awakening to the fact that to be an ideal, 
Christian young man is of far more value to them as an asset for a 
successful career than that of money alone, and we may attribute 
most of this feeling to the work done by Mr. and Mrs. Frank 
Young." 

*'I believe that we all would like to hear from Mr. Young." 
"Mr. Young, what have you to say for yourself in extenuation for 
winning Mrs. Young away from us?" 

"Mr. Toastmaster, ladies and gentlemen : I wish to deny the charge 
that I have won Mrs. Young away from you for by winning her, she 
becomes a permanent resident of Fernwood." 

"I wish to thank each one of the speakers for the kind words said 
about me, but I also wish to say that they made a mistake in the 
person." 

"You should have given most of the credit for what I am to my 
gentle, loving. Christian mother." 

"She was very patient, but firm with me in my early boyhood days 
— leading me in right paths by her gentle, kindly ways. She made 
the life of a true Christian brightly beautiful by her own beautiful 

"Father did his share by his daily walk and kindly admonitions." 

"Regarding my work for old Fernwood, I wish to say that it has 
been, and is a great pleasure to me. I was led into it by visiting the 
work at Hart's Grove, and knowing how how boys and girls were 
heart-hungry for the social privileges that were lacking in our com- 
munity. I had several talks with Mrs. Young about what might be 
done for making right conditions here." 

"She finally consented to become our principal of schools providing 
we erected a modern schoolbuilding." 

"After some further talk with her, and father and mother, and 
the appropriate address being given by our beloved pastor, a meeting 
was called for the continuation of our plans, and then by your gen- 
erous action made it possible for us to carry them out. Good friends, 
I feel that each one of you made it possible for us to have an ideal 
community and I see no reason why all communities can not do 
the same." 

"The children and the young people of every community in all 
this broad land of ours deserve better treatment than they are getting 
in most communities and cities, and I feel that by doing as we have 
done that the entire country would become a nation of Christian 
brothers and sisters working together for the great uplift that is 



214 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

sure to come when we have the children with all their heart-hunger, 
longings and desires for a better home life with their fellows under 
right conditions, at heart." 

'Tt seems to me that Eugene Field's Tn Summertime' strikes the 
keynote for those of us who love the beautiful country such as we 
have here in Femwood." 

" 'It seems to me I'd like to go 

Where bells don't ring nor whistles blow, 
Nor clocks don't strike, nor gongs don't sound, 
And I'd have stillness all around. 

Not really stillness, but just the trees, 

Low whispering, or the hum of bees, 
Or brooks faint babbling over stones 

In strangely tangled tones. 

Or maybe a cricket or katydid. 

Or the songs of birds in hedges hid, 
Or just some such sweet sounds as these, 

To fill a tired heart with ease. 

If 'twern't for sight and sound and smell, 

I'd like the city pretty well, 
But when it comes to getting rest, 

I like the country lots the best. 

Sometimes it seems to me I must 

Just quit the city's din and dust 
And get out where the sky is blue, 

And say, now, how does it seem to you?' " 

"In conclusion, I wish to thank every one of you for your abiding 
faith in me, and I trust that I may never give you cause to change 
your opinion." 

**I don't want any one of you to feel that you will not feel as 
welcome as formerly since I have become Mrs. Young's copartner. 
Please keep in mind that the latch string is always out to you, my 
good friends." 

"May God bless you, and may you always be loyal to Fernwood 
and her cause." 

'Mrs. Young, I know that all would be pleased to hear from you 
on this happy occasion." 

"Mr. Toastmaster, ladies and gentlemen : It surely is a happy 
occasion for me. If you will pardon me, I will say that I found my 
ideal in Mr. Young, and that I am to become a permanent resident 
of dear, old Fernwood, and a near neighbor of Hart's Grove with all 
her hallowed memories." 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 215 

'T wish to thank each one of you for your kindly interest in all 
that you have done to make this occasion another link in the chain 
which binds me to you, also, for the many beautiful presents that you 
have given us. I know that they were bestowed upon us by loyal, 
loving hearts, and we will cherish you as long as life shall last." 

"Mr. Young and I will leave Monday for a short time only, as we 
feel that our work here for our precious boys and girls is too sacred 
for us to remain away from it for any length of time." 

"On our return, we will strive to make our lives more vital, effi- 
cient and profitable to our beloved Fernv\AOod." 

*T don't wish any of you, my beloved, to feel any hesitancy in 
calling upon me as has been your custom at our teachers' cottage 
for it is to be our home for as long a time as you may wish us to 
remain with you, and with Mr. Young will say that you are welcome 
at any and all times." 

'T do not know what the Master has in store for us in the future, 
but our prayers will be that, 'The Lord watch between me and thee, 
when we are absent one from the other.' " 

"The following beautiful poem by Julia A. Baker expresses my 
thoughts for you and me, dear friends : 

'Go thou thy way and I go mine; 

Apart, yet not afar; 
Only a thin veil hangs between 

The pathways where we are; 
And "God keep watch 'tween thee and me," 

This is my prayer; 
He looks thy way. He looketh mine, 

And keeps us near. 

I know not where thy road may lie, 

Or which way mine may be; 
If mine will lead through parching sands. 

And thine beside the sea; 
Yet God keeps watch 'tween thee and me. 

So never fear; 
He holds thy hand, He claspeth mine, 

And keeps us near. 

Should wealth and fame perchance be thine. 

And my lot lowly be. 
Or you be sad or sorrowful. 

And glory be for me; 
Yet "God keeps watch 'tween thee and me," 

Both be His care. 
One arm 'round thee and one 'round me 

Will keep us near. 



2i6 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

I'll sigh sometimes to see thy face, 

But since this cannot be, 
I'll leave thee to the care of Him 

Who cares for thee and me. 
"I'll keep thee both beneath my wings," 

This comfort dear, 
One wing o'er thee and one o'er me 

So we are near. 

And though our paths be separate 

And thy way is not mine, 
Yet, coming to the mercy seat. 

My soul will meet with thine; 
And "God keep watch 'tween thee and me," 

I'll whisper there. 
He blesseth thee. He blesseth me. 

And we are near. 

"My beloved, I feel that we are very fortunate in having Mr. and 
Mrs. Young as permanent residents of Fernwood." 

"Practically all their plans so far as the buildings are concerned 
are completed, and in full running order not one of which, but is 
making good." 

"Our social activities have been the means of spiritualizing the 
entire community, and many have been brought into the fold, and 
I trust that it won't be long until every soul in Fernwood will become 
a child of the King." 

"And now our Father which art in Heaven, we thank Thee for 
this manifestation of Thy great love to us in permitting our beloved 
teacher to become one of us. May Thy choicest blessings rest upon 
Mr. and Mrs. Young, and may they still be a power for good to our 
young people." 

"Wilt Thou guard and protect them from all harm on their trip 
and bring them back to us safe and well, we ask it all in Jesus' name. 
Amen." 



XXIV. 

CONCLUSION 

Farm Creed 

We believe that soil likes to eat as well as its owner, and ought, 
therefore, to be libejally fed. 

We believe in large crops which leave the land better than they 
found it — making the farmer and the farm both glad at once. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 217 

We believe in going to the bottom of things and, therefore, in deep 
plowing and enough of it. All the better with a subsoil plow. 

We believe that every farm should own a good farmer. 

We believe that the best fertilizer for any soil is a spirit of in- 
dustry, enterprise and intelligence. Without this, lime and gypsum, 
bones and green manure, marl and guano, will be of little use. 

We believe in good fences, good barns, good farm houses, good 
stock, good orchards and children enough to gather the fruit. 

We believe in a clean kitchen, a neat wife in it, a spinning wheel, 
a clean cupboard, a clean dairy and a clean conscience. 

We firmly disbelieve in farmers that will not improve; in farms 
that grow poorer every year ; in starving cattle ; in farmers' boys 
turning into clerks and merchants; in farmers' daughters unwilling 
to work, and in all farmers ashamed of their vocation or who drink 
whiskey until honest people are ashamed of them. — Henry Ward 
Beecher. 

Ten years have passed away since that beautiful July day when 
Miss Ruth Wilson became Mrs. Frank Young. 

''Father Time" has passed them by with but very Httle evidence 
of his displeasure resting upon them. 

They have been at work all these years in behalf of their beloved 
Fernwood. 

Their hearts are as young as they were on that happy day ten years 
ago, and so, they are continually doing all that they can for the 
pleasure and happiness of the people, both young and old, therefore, 
they are beloved by all as of yore. 

They have seen all the buildings completed and in full running 
order. 

The young people, the fathers and mothers, and the entire com- 
munity, are now enjoying the fruits of their labors. 

Fernwood church, in all its completeness, ministers, not only to 
the spiritual life of the people, but also, to the intellectual, social 
and economic needs of her members, therefore, she is the center of 
all the activities for the salvation of every soul in the entire 
community. 

Realizing that mental causes lie back of all activities, and that 
these causes are suggested by the home atmosphere in early life, the 
the church in Fernwood has stood for a pure, loving. Christian home 
at all times, thus directing the children's minds to such an extent 
that they have no desire to be other than a true follower of the 
Saviour. 

Fernwood, also, believes that wholesome associations should be 



2i8 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

placed before her people, both young and old, so as to satisfy the 
heart-hunger for social companionship, so she sees to it that not only 
the church, but all the departments of the community play their part 
in meeting this desire. 

The fine chimes, Mrs. Young's present to Fernwood church, are 
the means of doing much good for the Master as they ring out their 
story morning, noon and evening gently calling each one in the com- 
munity to lift up his heart in silent prayer to God for His goodness 
to him. 

The story of what the chimes are doing is beautifully expressed by 
Caroline Swan Williamson of Little Rock, Arkansas, in her Christ 
Church Chimes : 

'Lead thou me on* rings long and loud, rich, sweet and clear 

On Sabbath morn's from out the belfrytower of old Christ Church, 

So near the center of the town; so near my home — I hear 

The call, for all, both great and small, rich and poor, young and old, 

To worship at the shrine of the 'lowly Nazarine' born at Bethlehem. 

Each bell rings out its mission of salvation in His holy name. 

Rings 'Joy to the World;' for more than nineteen hundred years of time 

Has come his message to a sin-cursed world of shame and crime. 

'Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,' the sweet-tongued bells call out. 

To warn us of His sacred day. Oh! 'Come thou dis-con-so-late.' 

'Nearer My God to Thee,' they call tread thou the safer route: 

Come to the 'mercy seat,' into the shepherd's fold to stay 

Close under His sheltering wing, walk thou in the heavenly way. 

List to the call of the sweet-toned bells chiming, chiming, hark! 

To the song of their glorious message God's holy day of rest to mark. 

From all the sick of toil of strife and greed of gain, 

Back to our God, to feed our starved-out empty souls again; 

Back to His sweet day of rest, listen to their pleading strain. 

Fill full your soul with all the glorious happiness they ring 

Of blessings from His tender heart. His generous, gracious hands. 

'Praise Him all ye saints above,' Oh! praise Him all ye lands. 

They ring — ring out their messages new and old. 

Ring out sweet chime bells, ring. 

The church and Sunday school has taken such a strong hold upon 
the hearts and lives of every one in the community that all are found 
in attendance every Sunday except those who are detained by sick- 
ness or something unavoidable. 

Fernwood believes in putting religion into business and business 
into religion, therefore, the people are standing advertisements of the 
efficiency of the power of God to save to the uttermost every soul 
in the community. 

They feel that if it pays to advertise anything for sale worth while 
along material lines that it certainly pays to advertise Christ the 
Savior of men. 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 219 

Each member of the church is now tithing because he felt it to be 
not only his duty, but he observed that those who began tithing from 
the first were prospering more than usual. 

Although the Church pays all the running expenses of both 
Church and Sunday School, all benevolences and the pastor's salary 
out of her tithing fund, she has quite a surplus each year. This 
surplus and its accumulated interest is used by the bank in its rural 
credit loan department. 

The school plant is a hive of industry from Monday morning till 
Saturday evening every week during the year. 

Fernwood school does not believe in delving into the misty past 
unless it has some bearing upon our present modes of living, there- 
fore, she has discarded all the non-essentials, thereby saving much 
time for those things that belong to the children's environment in 
which they are vitally interested. 

She believes "that all purposeful activity is education" and that 
the only way to learn anything is to do it, therefore, the children are 
furnished the materials for work and study leaving them free to 
choose, under wise guidance, the vocation that appeals vitally to them, 
thus becoming self -restraining, self-sustaining and self-respecting 
citizens. 

Fernwood believes that her "voiceless soil" is holy and that it will 
remain fertile yielding bountiful crops, thus securing continued pros- 
perity, so long as she has an, intelligent citizenship who are trained 
for efficiency. 

Fernwood, also, believes that efficiency requires a healthy body, a 
cultivated mind, a trained hand and pure thoughts, and so, in addi- 
tion to the activities of the church, school and the social features of 
the auditorium, she has her gymnasium and athletic field for all the 
people both young and old. 

The association fair grounds is the center of many functions such 
as the annual fair. Harvest Home festival, and corn-husking contests 
between Hart's Grove and Fernwood, also, the annual dispersal sale 
of pure-bred stock. 

The community is well-served by the different utility buildings 
which are quite profitable to all concerned. 

The power house with its heat, light and water plant is of great 
service to the entire community. Besides furnishing the utility and 
community center buildings with heat, light, water and power, the 
entire community is furnished with electric lights, also, power to 
the homes and farm buildings wherever needed for all practical pur- 
poses as a labor-saver. 

The abattoir, packing-house, and cold storage is utilized by all the 



220 FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 

farmers in taking care of the different meat products for immediate 
use, and in the curing and packing of all meat products whenever 
the markets will not justify shipments. 

The creamery utilizes all the surplus cream in the making of 
quality butter, while the grist mill not only furnishes the community 
with feed for the poultry and stock but a fine grade of meal. 

The canning factory utilizes all surplus fruits and vegetables thus 
nothing is allowed to go to waste. 

Uniform grading of grains, fruits and vegetables has been insisted 
upon from the beginning, therefore, Fernwood brands of the differ- 
ent products are known all over the land as quality goods. 

The storage warehouse is of great benefit in caring for all non- 
perishable products, and canned goods whenever prices were too low 
to the period when prices were high enough to give a fair profit to 
the association. 

The laundry and bakery are a boon to the housewives in the saving 
of much time and labor, thus giving them more time for the care 
and development of their children, and to give more time in the 
social affairs of the community. 

Fernwood found that her good roads not only enabled her farmers 
to save money in haulage, road taxes, and to take advantage of 
higher prices for her stock and products during a mud embargo, but 
that they enhanced land values from twenty-five to one hundred 
dollars per acre, also, that a loan of from ten to twenty-five dollars 
per acre more could be obtained. 

It was also found soon after incorporating that no loans could be 
obtained upon an unprofitable farm unless the owner would permit 
the Farm Department to direct the work until the farm became a 
profit maker. 

Fernwood finds that it pays to teach her boys and girls habits of 
thrift, so that they may know the real value of money and its spend- 
ing power, also, of time and management through the many little 
things connected with country life. 

Each father not only gives each one of his children a per cent, of 
the net proceeds of the farm, but also, gives them the proceeds from 
plots of ground, from one or more fruit trees, from one or more 
colts, calves, lambs or pigs, and from a pen of poultry with its 
increase. 

Each boy and girl makes his or her selection of one or more of 
these offers, and puts into practice the instruction received at school 
whether it be the methods of preparing the soil — the selection of good 
seed and its planting — right cultivation and the gathering and mar- 
keting of same; pruning and spraying of the trees — the gathering, 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 221 

grading, packing and marketing of the fruit; the right care, feeding 
and selling of the stock; the care and feeding of the poultry — the 
care of the incubators and brooders and of the chicks ; the diseases 
of the stock and poultry; the destructiveness of insect life, and the 
methods of combating them; the relation of birds in keeping in check 
insect life, and the waste resulting from rats and mice. 

The farmers of Fernwood find that it pays to be liberal with their 
help by giving good wages, a half holiday each Saturday afternoon, 
a day or two at the State fair with all expenses paid, the use of a 
horse and buggy, and if a married man, a house, all the fruit they 
can use, feed for a few pigs and pen of poultry and the milk from 
one cow. 

Fernwood has become noted as a stock-breeding section. She has 
long been known as the center for pure-bred Percheron horses, 
Holstein cattle, Poland-China swine, Cotswold sheep and Buff 
Orpington poultry. 

A high standard is maintained, and by keeping up a reputation for 
square dealing has brought a steadily increasing market to the com- 
munity. 

The local fair ground is a very busy place during the annual dis- 
persal sale. Each building is filled with pure-bred stock for sale 
and the receipts often exceed two hundred thousand dollars. 

The Association members have increased the average production 
of butter fat more than one hundred twenty-five per cent. 

Since more than fifty per cent, of the people of our land are mis- 
fits, Fernwood finds that it pays in having a happy, contented, and 
prosperous community to allow each child to choose his vocation or 
profession according to his bent, and then to have him specialize 
so as to become efficient in his choosen work. 

The idea of personal service permeates the community in material 
things to such an extent that helpfulness is the prevailing spirit, 
therefore, all are prospering. 

Beautiful surroundings call forth like thoughts and so the entire 
community is living up to its creed. 

After the work of the day is over, father and mother, the girls 
and boys gather on the big, front porch in the shade of clir^bing 
roses enjoying their fragrance and listen to the music of the piano 
or the victrola — this is living, not existing. 

Fernwood's message to the boys of our rural communities is found 
in the following poem taken from "Songs of the North and South," 
by the late Walter Malone. 



222. FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 



TOILER AND IDLER 

The laborer is the great high-priest of God, 

Creator, like the Lord who gave him breath, 
The father of all fruits, spouse of the sod, 

The friend of Life, and enemy of death. 
But he who toils not bears a shriveled soul. 

Is fit for deserts, or for realms of rocks; 
For him no victor's palm, no race, no goal 

Mate for the sloth, true brother of the ox. 

The man who tills the fields breathes wholesome air 

And sleeps a sleep remorse cannot affright; 
His peace of mind is stranger to despair. 

His freedom unconfined as morning light. 
What though the summer glares with scorching heat? 

That winter winds his blood and bone may chill? 
His manhood scatters hardships in defeat. 

And every battle makes him stronger still. 

The brown bee flits amid the clover there, 

To make him gifts of golden honeycomb; 
For him the cherry and the plum and pear, 

The grapevine swinging on his happy home. 
For him the daisy dripping with the dew, 

Peachblooms above, and cowslips at his feet; 
For him the green grass and the skies of blue. 

The scarlet poppies and the golden wheat. 

For him the thrushes warbling in delight 

On breezes tripping lightly as a fawn. 
For him the swan-like noonday's wings of white. 

The pansy twilight and the primrose dawn. 
For him the Spring like virgin violet blooms. 

And Summer blossoms like a yellow rose, 
Then Autumn like an orange aster looms, 

And Winter comes, a lily of the snows. 

The tiller owns no master but his God, 

And earns by right a heritage divine; 
A prophet, striking dust with potent rod, 

His plow makes earth gush honey, milk and wine. 
His hillocks are the altars of the Lord, 

His granary like a pious temple stands. 
The kingdoms of the earth his rich reward, 

The scythe becomes a scepter in his hands. 

But he who's discontented with that lot. 

Tramps through the city, vainly begging work. 
Shall find his rosy dreams a wretched blot, 

Faring worse evils than he sought to shirk. 
O pity not the tiller of the soil, 

But pity him, the straggler of the street: 
O pity not the hardened hands of toil. 

But pity this poor wanderer's wayworn feet! 



FERNWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 223 

At night the keen winds pierce his threadbare coat, 

The rain beats hard down on his dizzy head; 
Half mad, half starved, he begs a rusty groat. 

When hope and pride from shivering soul have fled. 
He sees the street lamps dripping in the rain. 

The engine thundering hoarsely through the night; 
The dragon Town is heedless of his pain 

And spits upon him in his piteous plight. 

He lounges in the city parks and sees 

Ten thousand like himself, in dirt and rags. 
Poor stranded wrecks by seas of miseries. 

Surrendered ships, with tattered, conquered flags! 
Night comes again, and hungry still he goes 

Half crazed for lack of sleep, in dull despair, 
To freeze to death when fall the Winter snows. 

Or plunge, self murdered, in the river there. 

The idler is a menace unto heaven. 

A misery to himself, a foe to man. 
Unsettled, discontented, dumbly driven, 

Drainer of life-blood since the world began. 
No burden breaks the back of idleness. 

No toil is half so hard, no strain so great. 
No curse of care has half so much distress. 

No arm of foe a more portentious fret. 

Ashamed of toil, he woos no fruits from earth. 

He beggars those who look to him for aid. 
And spurred by foolish pride, scorns homely worth. 

Longing for camp and court, for reeking blade. 
He cannot blame one being but himself 

If he should crawl with creatures of the mud; 
For he who plows is more than prince of pelf, 

A nobler knight than any man of blood. 




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